Selecting a window treatment fabric

ABSTRACT

A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/973,959, filed Apr. 2, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/002,666, filed on May 23, 2014, both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

This application is related to commonly assigned U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. [Attorney Docket No. 14-22515-P2], filed of even date, entitledSELECTING A WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC; commonly assigned U.S. PatentApplication No. [Attorney Docket No. 15-22673-P2], filed of even date,entitled SELECTING A WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC; and commonly assigned U.S.Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. 15-22674-P2], filed of evendate, entitled SELECTING A WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC, the contents of eachare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

A typical window treatment, such as a roller shade, a drapery, a romanshade, and/or a venetian blind, may be mounted in front of a window oropening to control an amount of light that may enter a user environmentand/or to provide privacy. A covering material (e.g., a shade fabric) onthe window treatment may be adjusted to control the amount of daylightfrom entering the user environment and/or to provide privacy. Thecovering material may be manually controlled and/or automaticallycontrolled using a motorized drive system to provide energy savingsand/or increased comfort for occupants. For example, the coveringmaterial may be raised to allow light to enter the user environment andallow for reduced use of lighting systems. The covering material mayalso be lowered to reduce the occurrence of sun glare.

While current window treatments may be adjusted to provide energysavings and/or increased comfort for occupants, the type of fabric orcovering material selected for installation with the window treatment isgenerally given little to no consideration. Instead, fabrics or coveringmaterials are generally selected based solely on visual aesthetics.

SUMMARY

As described herein, a fabric selector tool may be used to assist a userin determining fabrics for automated or manual window treatment that,when implemented in an environment (e.g., building, office, home, etc.),may reduce an amount of power used by a load control system and/orincrease the comfort of occupants in the environment. Different types offabrics may be used with a window treatment. To choose a recommendedfabric for implementation in a window treatment, the fabric selectortool may consider fabric characteristics, the environment in which thewindow treatment may be installed, and/or the performance of variousfabrics in the environment in which the window treatment may beinstalled. The environment, for example, may include a building or alocation in the building in which the window treatment may be installed.

A fabric selection wizard module may be implemented for collectingand/or computing input data. The input data may include thecharacteristics of the environment in which the window treatment may beinstalled. For example, the environmental characteristics associatedwith the building or the location in the building in which therecommended fabric may be installed may comprise a location of thebuilding, a latitude of the building, a longitude of the building, anorientation of the building, at least one façade of the building onwhich the window treatment is to be installed, a buffer zone between awindow in the building and an occupant's work space, a window sizeassociated with a window in the building, a glass type associated with awindow in the building, a window-to-wall ratio for a room in thebuilding, a visible light transmittance for a window in the building, adaylight glare probability value that indicates an amount of time thatdaylight glare is probable at a location during a period of time or amaximum probable daylight glare intensity at a location over a period oftime, a maximum daylight glare probability value that indicates amaximum threshold for the daylight glare probability value, a roomcolor, depth of room in which the recommended fabric is to be installed,a type of space in the building in which the recommended fabric is to beinstalled, and/or automated window treatment control information. Thefabric selection wizard module may receive some of the environmentalcharacteristics as input data (e.g., from a user interface) and maycompute fabric performance input data for determining performancecharacteristics based on these environmental characteristics. Forexample, the latitude and longitude of the building may be calculatedbased on the location of the building, the window-to-wall ratio may becalculated based on the window size, the visible light transmittance forthe window may be calculated based on the glass type of the window inthe building, and/or the daylight glare probability value or the maximumdaylight glare probability value may be calculated based on the type ofspace in the building in which the recommended fabric is to beinstalled. The input data may be used to calculate fabric performancemetrics at the fabric selection wizard module or another entity, such asa fabric performance engine module, for example. The performance metricsmay be predicted based on environmental characteristics of the interiorspace in which the window treatment may be installed and/or fabriccharacteristics of the fabric used for the window treatment. The fabricperformance metrics may be included in a fabric performance matrix orother output. The fabric performance metrics may indicate theperformance of various types of fabric having various characteristics.The fabric performance metrics may be calculated by analyzing thecharacteristics of a fabric to determine the predicted performance ofthe fabric in various environments. The fabric characteristics mayinclude an openness factor associated with the fabric that may indicatean amount of open space in the fabric, a visible light transmittanceassociated with the fabric that may indicate an amount of visible lightallowed through the fabric, a solar heat gain associated with a fabric,combined solar heat gain coefficient associate with a combination of thesolar heat gain for a glass and a fabric, a color group associated withthe fabric, and/or a view clarity rating that may indicate an amount ofvisibility available through the fabric. The performance metrics for thefabric that may be calculated based on one or more of thesecharacteristics may include the daylight glare probability value thatindicates a maximum daylight glare intensity over a period of time, themaximum daylight glare probability value that indicates a predefinedmaximum threshold for the daylight glare probability, a spatial daylightautonomy value that may indicate an amount of floor space in thebuilding where daylight alone may provide light over a period of time, aspatial daylight autonomy limit value that may indicate the maximumspatial daylight autonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summaryscore higher than zero, a view rating value that may indicate an amount(e.g., percentage) of the window that may be unobstructed by the fabric,a view limit rating value that may indicate the maximum spatial daylightautonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summary score higher thanzero, a view clarity value that may indicate an amount of visibilityavailable through the fabric, a view preservation rating value that maybe based on a view rating of the fabric and may indicate an amount ofthe window that may be unobstructed by the window treatment and a viewclarity rating of the fabric that indicates an amount of visibilityavailable through the fabric, a direct glare score that may indicate thereduction in glare based on the fabric, and/or the minimum incidentangle of the sun for each façade across the year.

The fabric selection wizard module may receive the predicted fabricperformance metrics. The fabric selection wizard module may use thefabric performance metrics to determine a ranking of one or more fabricsfor which the performance metrics are received. The ranking may be basedon the fabric performance metrics corresponding to the environment inwhich the window treatment may be installed (e.g., indicated by theinput data). The fabrics may be ranked based on a glare score thatindicates a predicted amount of glare resulting in a building from useof at least one fabric in the window treatment, a daylight score thatindicates a predicted amount of daylight resulting in the interior spacefrom use of the fabric in the window treatment, and/or a view score thatindicates an occupant's predicted amount of view out of the at least onewindow when the window treatment is installed. The fabrics may be rankedbased on predefined window treatment recommendation criteria. The fabricselection wizard module may output one or more recommended fabricsand/or their ranking. For example, the fabric selection wizard maydisplay one or more of the top-ranked fabrics.

Predefined window-treatment recommendation criteria may be used tocalculate rankings. The predefined window-treatment recommendationcriteria may be criteria that affect the amount of energy and/or comfortfor an occupant in a load control environment. The predefinedwindow-treatment recommendation criteria may be criteria for windowtreatments against which the performance of a window treatment may becompared. For example, the predefined window-treatment recommendationcriteria may be threshold levels for the predefined predictedperformance metrics and/or summary scores. The predefined windowtreatment recommendation criteria may be system and/or user defined. Forexample, the system and/or the user may select a threshold value orrelative weighting criteria for one or more predefined window-treatmentrecommendation criteria. The system may use the performance summaryscores to determine relative weighting criteria, for example, bycomputing a weighted average summary score with each performance ratingweighted based on either room type or user defined weightings.

The fabric selection wizard module may determine combinations of fabricsthat provide the performance metrics for various façades of thebuilding, and use these combinations to rank the fabrics. For example,the environmental characteristics may indicate one or more façades ofthe building and the fabric performance may be predicted for eachfaçade. Similarly, predicted performance metrics may be calculated formultiple façades. The fabric performance for each façade may be combinedto get an overall score for multiple façades of the building. Fabric setscores may be calculated, for example, for different sets of fabrics formultiple facades. The fabric set score may indicate a performance of aset of fabrics when each fabric is used in a window treatment on adifferent façade of the building. Each fabric in a set of fabrics mayhave characteristics that are the same of different. For example, thefabrics in a set of fabrics may be of the same family or color group. Ifthe same fabric or fabric family, color group, color and/or opennessfactor are used for the facades, the scores across the facades may becalculated, for example, when combining multiple facades. A fabricfamily may comprise a plurality of fabrics with the same material, sametexture, or same manufacturer. A color group may comprise a plurality offabrics with varying shades of a same color or a plurality of fabricswith a combination of colors including at least one color that is thesame color. If the same fabric color is used for the facades, anopenness factor (e.g., the best openness factor) may be selected by eachfaçade, and the summary scores may be calculated across the facades, forexample, when combining multiple facades. After the fabric selectionwizard module ranks the plurality of different fabrics and displays oneor more of the fabrics, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or orderthe fabric.

The recommended fabric may comprises an openness factor that comprisesan amount of open space within the fabric material and a visible lighttransmittance that comprises an amount of visible light allowed totransmit through the fabric material. The openness factor and thevisible light transmittance of the fabric material may affect thedaylight glare probability that may result from use of the fabric. Theopenness factor and the visible light transmittance of the recommendedfabric may result in a daylight glare probability of less than 35% or45%. For example, the openness factor and the visible lighttransmittance of the fabric material may result in a daylight glareprobability of less than 35%. As the openness factor may vary fromfabric to fabric, the recommended fabric material may comprises anopenness tolerance of 1% or less (e.g., 0.5%) for variance of theopenness factor. This may be to prevent a fabric having a selectedopenness factor of 35% or less from raising above 45%.

The recommended fabrics may optimize the automated operation and/orperformance of the window treatment (e.g., to increase energy savingsand/or improve occupant comfort). While various examples are providedherein for recommending fabrics or other covering materials for a windowtreatment, the examples are not meant to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a load control system havingload control devices and motorized window treatments.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates variouscharacteristics of a window treatment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture of a fabric selectiontool that may be used to select a fabric for a window treatment.

FIG. 4 is an example of a database that may be used to lookup input dataand/or calculate input data.

FIGS. 5A-5I show example displays of the fabric selection input screenof a fabric selection wizard module.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart of a fabric selection procedure forselecting a fabric for a window treatment.

FIGS. 7A-7G show example displays of the fabric selection output screenof a fabric selection wizard module.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an example network device.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of an example wireless controldevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, isbetter understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.The drawings are shown for purposes of illustration and arenon-limiting.

FIG. 1 is a simple diagram of an example load control system forcontrolling the amount of power delivered from an alternating-current(AC) power source (not shown) to one or more electrical loads. The loadcontrol system 100 may comprise a system controller 110 (e.g., a loadcontroller or a central controller) operable to transmit and/or receivedigital messages via a wired and/or a wireless communication link. Forexample, the system controller 110 may be coupled to one or more wiredcontrol devices via a wired digital communication link 104. The systemcontroller 110 may be configured to transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals, e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals 106, to communicate with oneor more wireless control devices. The load control system 100 maycomprise a number of control-source devices and/or a number ofcontrol-target devices for controlling an electrical load. Thecontrol-source devices may be input devices operable to transmit digitalmessages configured to control an electrical load via a control-targetdevice. For example, control-source devices may transmit the digitalmessages in response to user input, occupancy/vacancy conditions,changes in measured light intensity, or other input information. Thecontrol-target devices may be load control devices operable to receivedigital messages and control respective electrical loads in response tothe received digital messages. A single control device of the loadcontrol system 100 may operate as both a control-source and acontrol-target device. The system controller 110 may be configured toreceive digital messages from the control-source devices and transmitdigital messages to the control-target devices in response to thedigital messages received from the control-source devices. Thecontrol-source devices and the control-target devices may also, oralternatively, communicate directly.

The load control system 100 may comprise a load control device, such asa dimmer switch 120, for controlling a lighting load 122. The dimmerswitch 120 may be adapted to be wall-mounted in a standard electricalwallbox. The dimmer switch 120 may comprise a tabletop or plug-in loadcontrol device. The dimmer switch 120 may comprise a toggle actuator 124(e.g., a button) and/or an intensity adjustment actuator 126 (e.g., arocker switch). Successive actuations of the toggle actuator 124 maytoggle, e.g., turn off and on, the lighting load 122. Actuations of anupper portion or a lower portion of the intensity adjustment actuator126 may respectively increase or decrease the amount of power deliveredto the lighting load 122 and increase or decrease the intensity of thelighting load from a minimum intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) to amaximum intensity (e.g., approximately 100%). The dimmer switch 120 mayfurther comprise a plurality of visual indicators 128, e.g.,light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be arranged in a linear arrayand/or may be illuminated to provide feedback of the intensity of thelighting load 122. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches aredescribed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,919, issued Sep. 28,1993, entitled LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/780,514, filed Feb. 28, 2013, entitled WIRELESS LOAD CONTROLDEVICE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

The dimmer switch 120 may be configured to receive digital messages fromthe system controller 110 via the RF signals 106 and to control thelighting load 122 in response to the received digital messages. Examplesof dimmer switches operable to transmit and receive digital messages isdescribed in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/033,223, filed Feb. 19, 2008, entitled COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR ARADIO-FREQUENCY LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference. The dimmer switch 120 may also, oralternatively, be coupled to the wired digital communication link 104.

The load control system 100 may further comprise one or moreremotely-located load control devices, such as light-emitting diode(LED) drivers 130 for driving respective LED light sources 132 (e.g.,LED light engines). The LED drivers 130 may be located remotely, forexample, in the lighting fixtures of the respective LED light sources132. The LED drivers 130 may be configured to receive digital messagesfrom the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104and to control the respective LED light sources 132 in response to thereceived digital messages. The LED drivers 130 may be coupled to aseparate digital communication link, such as an Ecosystem® or digitaladdressable lighting interface (DALI) communication link, and the loadcontrol system 100 may include a digital lighting controller coupledbetween the digital communication link 104 and the separatecommunication link. The LED drivers 132 may include internal RFcommunication circuits or be coupled to external RF communicationcircuits (e.g., mounted external to the lighting fixtures, such as to aceiling) for transmitting and/or receiving the RF signals 106. The loadcontrol system 100 may further comprise other types of remotely-locatedload control devices, such as, for example, electronic dimming ballastsfor driving fluorescent lamps.

The load control system 100 may further comprise a plurality of daylightcontrol devices, e.g., motorized window treatments, such as motorizedroller shades 140, to control the amount of daylight entering thebuilding in which the load control system may be installed. A motorizedroller shades 140 may comprise a covering material (e.g., a shadefabric). The covering material may be wound around a roller tube forraising and/or lowering the shade fabric. The motorized roller shades140 may comprise electronic drive units 142. The electronic drive units142 may be located inside the roller tube of the motorized roller shade.The electronic drive units 142 may be coupled to the digitalcommunication link 104 for transmitting and/or receiving digitalmessages. The electronic drive units 142 may include a control circuit.The control circuit may be configured to adjust the position of a windowtreatment fabric, for example, in response to digital messages receivedfrom the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104.Each of the electronic drive units 142 may include memory for storingassociation information for associations with other devices and/orinstructions for controlling the motorized roller shade 140. Theelectronic drive units 142 may comprise an internal RF communicationcircuit. The electronic drive units 142 may also, or alternatively, becoupled to an external RF communication circuit (e.g., located outsideof the roller tube) for transmitting and/or receiving the RF signals106. The load control system 100 may comprise other types of daylightcontrol devices, such as, for example, a cellular shade, a drapery, aRoman shade, a Venetian blind, a Persian blind, a pleated blind, atensioned roller shade systems, an electrochromic or smart window,and/or other suitable daylight control device.

The load control system 100 may comprise one or more other types of loadcontrol devices, such as, for example, a screw-in luminaire including adimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, acontrollable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning anappliance on and off; a plug-in load control device, a controllableelectrical receptacle, or a controllable power strip for controlling oneor more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motorload, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit forcontrolling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen;motorized interior or exterior shutters; a thermostat for a heatingand/or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling asetpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboardheater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volumecontroller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller;hydraulic valves for use in radiators and radiant heating systems; ahumidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; aboiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a televisionor computer monitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; anelevator; a power supply; a generator; an electric charger, such as anelectric vehicle charger; and/or an alternative energy controller.

The load control system 100 may comprise one or more input devices,e.g., such as a wired keypad device 150, a battery-powered remotecontrol device 152, an occupancy sensor 154, a daylight sensor 156,and/or a shadow sensor 158. The wired keypad device 150 may beconfigured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 viathe digital communication link 104 in response to an actuation of one ormore buttons of the wired keypad device. The battery-powered remotecontrol device 152, the occupancy sensor 154, the daylight sensor 156,and/or the shadow sensor 158 may be wireless control devices (e.g., RFtransmitters) configured to transmit digital messages to the systemcontroller 110 via the RF signals 106 (e.g., directly to the systemcontroller). For example, the battery-powered remote control device 152may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller110 via the RF signals 106 in response to an actuation of one or morebuttons of the battery-powered remote control device 152. The occupancysensor 154 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the systemcontroller 110 via the RF signals 106 in response to detection ofoccupancy and/or vacancy conditions in the space in which the loadcontrol system 100 may be installed. The daylight sensor 156 may beconfigured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 viathe RF signals 106 in response to detection of different amounts ofnatural light intensity. The shadow sensor 158 may be configured totransmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the RFsignals 106 in response to detection of an exterior light intensitycoming from outside the space in which the load control system 100 maybe installed. The system controller 110 may be configured to transmitone or more digital messages to the load control devices (e.g., thedimmer switch 120, the LED drivers 130, and/or the motorized rollershades 140) in response to the received digital messages, e.g., from thewired keypad device 150, the battery-powered remote control device 152,the occupancy sensor 154, the daylight sensor 156, and/or the shadowsensor 158. While the system controller 110 may receive digital messagesfrom the input devices and/or transmit digital messages to the loadcontrol devices for controlling an electrical load, the input devicesmay communicate directly with the load control devices for controllingthe electrical load.

The load control system 100 may comprise a wireless adapter device 160that may be coupled to the digital communication link 104. The wirelessadapter device 160 may be configured to receive the RF signals 106. Thewireless adapter device 160 may be configured to transmit a digitalmessage to the system controller 110 via the digital communication link104 in response to a digital message received from one of the wirelesscontrol devices via the RF signals 106. For example, the wirelessadapter device 160 may re-transmit the digital messages received fromthe wireless control devices on the digital communication link 104.

The occupancy sensor 154 may be configured to detect occupancy and/orvacancy conditions in the space in which the load control system 100 maybe installed. The occupancy sensor 154 may transmit digital messages tothe system controller 110 via the RF signals 106 in response todetecting the occupancy and/or vacancy conditions. The system controller110 may be configured to turn one or more of the lighting load 122and/or the LED light sources 132 on and off in response to receiving anoccupied command and a vacant command, respectively. The occupancysensor 154 may operate as a vacancy sensor, such that the lighting loadsare turned off in response to detecting a vacancy condition (e.g., notturned on in response to detecting an occupancy condition). Examples ofRF load control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensors aredescribed in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.8,009,042, issued Aug. 30, 2011, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTINGCONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING; U.S. Pat. No. 8,199,010, issuedJun. 12, 2012, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESSSENSOR; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,228,184, issued Jul. 24, 2012, entitledBATTERY-POWERED OCCUPANCY SENSOR, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

The daylight sensor 156 may be configured to measure a total lightintensity in the space in which the load control system is installed.The daylight sensor 156 may transmit digital messages including themeasured light intensity to the system controller 110 via the RF signals106. The digital messages may be used to control an electrical load(e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the motorized window shades140 for controlling the level of the covering material, the intensity ofthe LED light sources 132) via one or more control load control devices(e.g., the dimmer switch 120, the electronic drive unit 142, the LEDdriver 130). Examples of RF load control systems having daylight sensorsare described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.8,410,706, issued Apr. 2, 2013, entitled METHOD OF CALIBRATING ADAYLIGHT SENSOR; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,116, issued May 28, 2013,entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The shadow sensor 158 may be configured to measure an exterior lightintensity coming from outside the space in which the load control system100 may be installed. The shadow sensor 158 may be mounted on a façadeof a building, such as the exterior or interior of a window, to measurethe exterior natural light intensity depending upon the location of thesun in sky. The shadow sensor 158 may detect when direct sunlight isdirectly shining into the shadow sensor 158, is reflected onto theshadow sensor 158, or is blocked by external means, such as clouds or abuilding, and may send digital messages indicating the measured lightintensity. The shadow sensor 158 may transmit digital messages includingthe measured light intensity to the system controller 110 via the RFsignals 106. The digital messages may be used to control an electricalload (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the motorized windowshades 140 for controlling the level of the covering material, and/orthe intensity of the LED light sources 132) via one or more control loadcontrol devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 120, the electronic drive unit142, and/or the LED driver 130). The shadow sensor 158 may also bereferred to as a window sensor, a cloudy-day sensor, or a sun sensor.

The load control system 100 may comprise other types of input device,such as: temperature sensors; humidity sensors; radiometers; pressuresensors; smoke detectors; carbon monoxide detectors; air qualitysensors; motion sensors; security sensors; proximity sensors; fixturesensors; partition sensors; keypads; kinetic- or solar-powered remotecontrols; key fobs; cell phones; smart phones; tablets; personal digitalassistants; personal computers; laptops; timeclocks; audio-visualcontrols; safety devices; power monitoring devices (such as powermeters, energy meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters); centralcontrol transmitters; residential, commercial, or industrialcontrollers; or any combination of these input devices. These inputdevices may transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 viathe RF signals 106. The digital messages may be used to control anelectrical load (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the motorizedwindow shades 140 for controlling the level of the covering material,and/or the intensity of the LED light sources 132) via one or morecontrol load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 120, theelectronic drive unit 142, and/or the LED driver 130).

The system controller 110 may be configured to control the load controldevices (e.g., the dimmer switch 120, the LED drivers 130, and/or themotorized roller shades 140) according to a timeclock schedule. Thetimeclock schedule may be stored in a memory in the system controller.The timeclock schedule may include a number of timeclock events. Thetimeclock events may have an event time and a corresponding command orpreset. The system controller 110 may be configured to keep track of thepresent time and/or day. The system controller 110 may transmit theappropriate command or preset at the respective event time of eachtimeclock event. An example of a load control system for controlling oneor more motorized window treatments according to a timeclock schedule isdescribed in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.8,288,981, issued Oct. 16, 2012, entitled METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLYCONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WHILE MINIMIZING OCCUPANTDISTRACTIONS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

The load control system 100 may be part of an automated window treatmentcontrol system. The system controller 110 may control the shadesaccording to automated window treatment control information. Forexample, the automated window treatment control information may includethe angle of the sun, sensor information, an amount of cloud cover,and/or weather data, such as historical weather data and real-timeweather data. For example, throughout course of calendar day, the systemcontroller 110 of the automated window treatment control system mayadjust the position of the window treatment fabric multiple times, basedon the calculated position of the sun or sensor information. Forexample, the system controller 110 of the automated window treatmentcontrol system may adjust the positions of the window treatments inresponse to at least one light intensity measured by a sensor. Theautomated window treatment control system may determine the position ofthe window treatments in order to affect a performance metric. Theautomated window treatment system may command the system controller 110to adjust the window treatments to the determined position in order toaffect a performance metric. For example, the system controller 110 ofthe automated window treatment control system may adjust the positionsof the window treatments at intervals to minimize occupant distractions.The automated window treatment control system may operate according to atimeclock schedule. Based on the timeclock schedule, the systemcontroller 110 may change the position of the window treatmentsthroughout a calendar day. For example, the automated window treatmentcontrol system may determine a position of a window treatment based on acalculated angle of the sun to limit a sunlight penetration distance inan interior space of a building and indicate to the system controller110 to adjust the window treatment to the determined position. Thetimeclock schedule may be set to prevent the daylight penetrationdistance from exceeding a maximum distance into an interior space (e.g.,work space, transitional space, or social space). The maximum daylightpenetration distance may be set to a buffer zone, which may be adistance between the window and the user's workspace. The systemcontroller 110 may adjust the position of the window treatmentsaccording to collected sensor information.

The system controller 110 may be operable to be coupled to a network,such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) via a networkcommunication bus 162 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link), e.g., foraccess to the Internet. The system controller 110 may be connected to anetwork switch 164 (e.g., a router or Ethernet switch) via the networkcommunication bus 162 for allowing the system controller 110 tocommunicate with other system controllers for controlling otherelectrical loads. The system controller 110 may be wirelessly connectedto the network, e.g., using Wi-Fi technology. The system controller 110may be configured to communicate via the network with one or morenetwork devices, such as a smart phone (e.g., an iPhone® smart phone, anAndroid® smart phone, a Windows® smart phone, or a Blackberry® smartphone), a personal computer 166, a laptop, a tablet device, (e.g., aniPad® hand-held computing device), a Wi-Fi orwireless-communication-capable television, a server, and/or any othersuitable wireless communication device (e.g., anInternet-Protocol-enabled device). The network device may be operable totransmit digital messages to the system controller 110 in one or moreInternet Protocol packets. Examples of load control systems operable tocommunicate with network devices on a network are described in greaterdetail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0030589, published Jan. 31, 2013, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICEHAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

The operation of the load control system 100 may be programmed and/orconfigured using the personal computer 166 or other network device. Thepersonal computer 166 may execute a graphical user interface (GUI)configuration software for allowing a user to program how the loadcontrol system 100 may operate. The configuration software may generateload control information (e.g., a load control database) that definesthe operation and/or performance of the load control system 100. Forexample, the load control information may include information regardingthe different load control devices of the load control system (e.g., thedimmer switch 120, the LED drivers 130, and/or the motorized rollershades 140). The load control information may include informationregarding associations between the load control devices and the inputdevices (e.g., the wired keypad device 150, the battery-powered remotecontrol device 152, the occupancy sensor 154, the daylight sensor 156,and/or the shadow sensor 158), and/or how the load control devices mayrespond to input received from the input devices. Examples ofconfiguration procedures for load control systems are described ingreater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,297, issued Jun.24, 2008, entitled HANDHELD PROGRAMMER FOR LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM; U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0092075, published Apr. 17,2008, entitled METHOD OF BUILDING A DATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROLSYSTEM; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/830,237, filed Mar. 14,2013, entitled COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The system controller 110 may be configured to automatically control themotorized window treatments (e.g., the motorized roller shades 140). Themotorized window treatments may be controlled to save energy and/orimprove the comfort of the occupants of the building in which the loadcontrol system 100 may be installed. For example, the system controller110 may be configured to automatically control the motorized rollershades 140 in response to a timeclock schedule, the daylight sensor 156,and/or the shadow sensor 158. The roller shades 140 may be manuallycontrolled by the wired keypad device 150 and/or the battery-poweredremote control device 152.

The covering material or fabric of the window treatments may becharacterized by an openness factor, a visible light transmittance(T_(V-FABRIC)), a solar absorptance (A_(S)), a solar transmittance(T_(S)), a solar reflectance (R_(S)), a solar heat gain coefficient(SHGC_(S)), and/or combined solar heat gain coefficient(SHGC_(FABRIC-GLASS)). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the variouscharacteristics of a covering material or fabric 200. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the fabric 200 may include an amount of open space 202 and anamount of fabric 204. The openness factor may indicate the amount ofopen space 202 in the fabric 200. The openness factor may define theratio of open space 202 to fabric material 204 in the fabric 200. Forexample, an openness factor of 10% may indicate that 10% of the shadefabric is open space. The openness factor may be a nominal factor. Anominal factor may be an approximate factor that may be used when ameasured openness factor is unavailable for the fabric. The opennessfactor may be a measured openness factor. A measured openness factor maybe a single measurement of the openness of a fabric. The openness factormay be a mean openness factor. A mean openness factor may be an averageof multiple measurements of openness for the fabric.

FIG. 2 illustrates characteristics of the covering material or fabric200. As shown in FIG. 2, natural light 212 may be received at a window214 and may meet the window covering material or fabric 200. The visiblelight transmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC) may indicate an amount oftransmitted natural light 206 that may be allowed through the fabric200. The color and/or the openness of the fabric 200 may affect thevisible light transmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC). For example, amore open weave and/or a lighter color for the fabric 200 may allow morevisible light transmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC) than a moreclosed weave and/or darker color for the fabric 200. The solarabsorptance A_(S) may indicate an amount of solar energy that may beabsorbed by the fabric 200. The solar transmittance T_(S) may indicatean amount of solar energy that may be transmitted through the fabric200. The solar reflectance R_(S) may indicate an amount of solar energythat may be reflected by the fabric 200. The fabric 200 may be made of areflective material that may increase the reflective characteristics ofthe fabric 200. In an example, the visible light transmittance of thefabric T_(V-FABRIC), the solar absorptance A_(S), the solartransmittance T_(S), and/or the solar reflectance R_(S) may each bedefined as a percentage of the natural light 212 that meets the fabric200. The solar heat gain HG_(S) may indicate the combined solarreflectance of the glass and the covering material of fabric 200. Thesolar heat gain coefficient may be calculated as a percentage of theradiant heat that gets through the glass compared to the radiant heatthat strikes the glass. For example, the solar heat gain may be thefraction or percentage of radiant heat that transmits through the glassor fabric. Similarly, a combined solar heat gain coefficient may takeinto account glass properties and fabric properties to represent thecombined solar heat gain coefficient of the glass and fabric when usedtogether.

The openness factor and/or the visible light transmittance of the fabricT_(V-FABRIC) may affect the energy savings of the load control systemand/or the comfort of the occupants. For example, a fabric 200 having ahigher openness factor may allow more of the natural light 212 to passthrough. This higher openness factor may provide more energy savings forthe load control system 100 since the lighting loads may be dimmed orturned off. A high visible light transmittance of the fabricT_(V-FABRIC) may lead to conditions of high daylight glare.

The fabric of the window treatments of the load control system 100 maybe selected using a fabric selection software. This selection may beperformed prior to purchase and/or installation of the load controlsystem, for example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture of a fabric selectiontool 300 that may provide an automated means for selecting a fabric (orfabrics) for one or more window treatments that may be installed in aninterior or exterior space of a building. The fabric selection tool 300may be implemented as software and/or hardware in one or more computingdevices. For example, the fabric selection tool 300 may be implementedin a single computing device or distributed across multiple computingdevices. The fabric selection tool 300, or portions thereof, may beexecuted, from memory, by a processor of a computing device.

The fabric selection tool 300 may comprise a fabric selection wizardmodule 310. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may obtain data asinput to a fabric performance engine 316. The fabric performance engine316 may determine the performance of different covering materials and/orfabrics based on the basic input data 312 and/or the fabric performanceinput data 314. The fabric performance engine 316 may output a fabricperformance output 320 (e.g., a fabric performance output matrix). Thefabric performance output 320 may indicate predicted performance metricsof the fabrics in various load control environments (e.g., a building,an office, a home, etc.). The fabric selection wizard module 310 mayanalyze the predicted performance metrics from the fabric performanceoutput 320 and may provide recommendations for fabrics that may provideenergy savings and/or comfort to occupants (e.g., by reducing thepossibility of glare from natural light) as compared to other fabrics.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may comprise software and/orhardware. For example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 maycomprise a user interface (e.g., a web-based or local graphical userinterface (GUI)) that may receive information from a user of a networkdevice. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may obtain data fromother sources, such as a local or remote memory storage, input devicesin the load control system, load control devices in the load controlsystem, and/or other remote sources. The fabric selection wizard module310 may reside locally on a network device and/or on one or more remotedevices that may be accessed by the network device (e.g., the systemcontroller 110). The functionality of the fabric selection wizard module310 may reside on a single device or be distributed across multipledevices. For example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may beaccessed via a web browser running on the network device and displayedon a visual display of the network device. The network device may be apersonal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone, and/or othersuitable network device having a visual display or capable ofcommunicating with a visual display.

The fabric performance engine 316 may comprise software and/or hardwarefor calculating the performance of covering materials and/or fabrics.The fabric performance engine 316 may receive input data from the fabricselection wizard module 310. The fabric performance engine 316 mayobtain data from other sources, such as a local or remote memorystorage, input devices in the load control system, load control devicesin the load control system, and/or other remote sources. The fabricperformance engine 316 may reside locally on a network device and/or onone or more remote devices (e.g., the system controller 110). The deviceor devices on which the fabric performance engine 316 resides may be thesame as or different from the device or devices on which the fabricselection wizard module 310 may reside.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may collect basic input data 312.The basic input data 312 may comprise information regarding a buildingin which window treatments may be installed. The basic input data 312may comprise environmental characteristics associated with the buildingor a location in the building in which the window treatments may beinstalled. For example, the basic input data 312 may compriseinformation identifying a location of the building, an orientation ofthe building, a façade or façades of the building on the inside of whichthe window treatments may be located, buffer zones between windows andoccupants' work spaces (e.g., desk, computer screen, etc.), a sizeand/or tint of the windows that the window treatments may be covering, aglass type of the windows, a space type (e.g., functional area,transition area, social area, etc.), a room color, depth of room inwhich the recommended fabric is to be installed, whether a façade isprotected from direct sun (e.g., due to a building or other structure),and/or automated window treatment control information. The basic inputdata 312 may be manually entered by a user and/or received from anothersource, such as a remote computing device. Basic input data 312 may bereceived for one or more façades.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute fabric performanceinput data 314 that may be used by the fabric performance engine 316 todetermine the performance of fabrics. The computed fabric performanceinput data 314 may be computed based on the basic input data 312 and/orother input data that may be received from a user or from one or moreremote external devices (e.g., network devices, remote computingdevices, input devices, load control devices, etc.). As the computedfabric performance input data 314 may be computed based on the basicinput data 312, the computed fabric performance input data 314 maycomprise environmental characteristics associated with the building orthe location in the building in which the window treatments may beinstalled. The computed fabric performance input data 314 may comprise,for example, a latitude and/or a longitude of the building, an amount oftime the building receives daylight (e.g., a number of sunny hours perday, month, or year for the building), a window-to-wall ratio (WWR), avisible light transmittance of the glass of the windows (T_(V-GLASS)), adaylight glare probability value, a maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue, an orientation that indicates a building façade (e.g., northernfaçade), and/or a fabric part number that indicates a unique numberassociated with the fabric.

The fabric performance wizard module 310 may receive predictedperformance metric values, summary scores, information based on thesummary scores, information based on the predicted performance metricvalues, basic input data 312, input data, computed fabric performanceinput data 314, output data, and/or output fabric performance data. Thefabric performance wizard module 310 may calculate scores based onpredicted performance metric values, information based on the predictedperformance metric values, basic input data 312, input data, computedfabric performance input data 314, output data, and/or output fabricperformance data. The fabric performance wizard module 310 may displaypredicted performance metric values, summary scores, information basedon the summary scores, information based on the predicted performancemetric values, basic input data 312, input data, computed fabricperformance input data 314, output data, and/or output fabricperformance data.

The window-to-wall ratio (WWR) indicates the area of a perimeter wallthat is occupied by glass in a window. A larger window size may allow agreater daylight intensity into the room and may cause the shades to beclosed more often. For example, the window-to-wall ratio may indicate aratio (e.g., percentage) of the area of the glass in a window thatoccupies the space in the perimeter wall to the remaining area of theperimeter wall. The areas may be based on the height and width of thewindow and perimeter wall.

The daylight glare probability value may indicate the predicted amountof daylight glare or a predicted maximum daylight glare intensity over aperiod of time (e.g., total hours of predicted daylight glare or maximumdaylight glare intensity at a location in a year). The maximum daylightglare probability value may indicate a maximum threshold for thedaylight glare probability value. The daylight glare probability valueand the maximum daylight glare probability value may be indicated as apercentage or ratio of a maximum daylight glare intensity. The maximumdaylight glare probability value may be equal to or compared againstindustry standards for daylight glare probability. For example, themaximum daylight glare probability value may be set to a 35% maximumintensity, which may be the level at which an occupant may begin torecognize glare, or 45%, which may be the level at which an occupant maybegin to be bothered by glare.

If one or more types of the computed fabric performance input data 314and/or the basic input data 312 are not provided, the fabric selectionwizard module 310 may provide a default value. For example, if thevisible light transmittance of the glass of the windows T_(V-GLASS)and/or the glass type is not provided in the basic input data 312, thefabric selection wizard 310 may provide a default visible lighttransmittance of the glass and/or glass type, respectively.

The daylight glare probability value and the maximum daylight glareprobability value may be compared to control the daylight glareprobability or to determine if the daylight glare probability hasexceeded a predefined maximum threshold. The daylight glare probabilityvalue may be affected by location characteristics. For example, thedaylight glare probability value may be determined based on a totalnumber of hours of annual sunshine at a climate zone at a given locationor latitude. While the daylight glare probability value may be indicatedherein as a ratio or percentage of the maximum daylight glare intensity,the daylight glare probability value may also be indicated as a totalnumber of hours of daylight glare or the total number of hours ofdaylight glare over a predefined value. The maximum daylight glareprobability value may indicate a predefined maximum threshold for theamount of hours of daylight glare (e.g., where the daylight glareprobability value indicates a total amount of hours of sunshine) or amaximum threshold for daylight glare intensity (e.g., where the daylightglare probability value indicates a total amount of hours of sunshine).While the maximum daylight glare probability value may be indicatedherein as a ratio or percentage, the maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue may also be indicated as a maximum threshold number of hours ofdaylight glare or the maximum total number of hours of daylight glareover a predefined value. The maximum daylight glare probability valuemay change based on space type, location, etc.

The computed fabric performance input data 314 may be determined as afunction of the basic input data 312. For example, the latitude and/orlongitude may be determined as a function of the location indicated inthe basic input data 312. The latitude and longitude may be output froma location map function or a lookup function that receives the locationas input. The lookup function may be used to lookup a location in alookup table and provide the latitude and longitude or provide thelatitude and longitude of the closest location in the lookup table tothe entered location. Equations 1 and 2 provide example lookup functionsfor looking up a latitude and a longitude, respectively, based on alocation.

LAT=Lookup(Location)  Equation 1:

LON=Lookup(Location)  Equation 2:

The location map function may provide the latitude and longitude of alocation on a map from a lookup table or otherwise determine thelatitude and longitude of the location on a map based on the latitudeand longitude of the closest locations in the lookup table (e.g., usingtriangulation). Equations 3 and 4 provide example location map functionsfor determining a latitude and a longitude, respectively, based on alocation.

LAT=Location_map(Location)  Equation 3:

LON=Location_map(Location)  Equation 4:

The window-to-wall ratio may be determined as a function of the windowsize (e.g., height and width) in the basic input data 312. For example,the window-to-wall ratio may be output from a lookup function thatreceives the window size as input. Equation 5 provides an example lookupfunction for determining a window-to-wall ratio based on the windowsize.

WWR=Lookup(WindowSize)  Equation 5:

The visible light transmittance of the glass of the windows T_(V-GLASS)may be determined as a function of the glass type in the basic inputdata 312. For example, the visible light transmittance of the glass ofthe windows T_(V-GLASS) may be output from a lookup function thatreceives the glass type as input. Equation 6 provides an example lookupfunction for determining the visible light transmittance of the glass ofthe windows T_(V-GLASS) based on the glass type.

T_(V-GLASS)=Lookup(GlassType)  Equation 6:

The daylight glare probability value and/or the maximum daylight glareprobability value may be determined as a function of the space type inthe basic input data 312. For example, the daylight glare probabilityvalue and/or the maximum daylight glare probability value may be outputfrom a lookup function that receives the space type as input. Equations7 and 8 provide example lookup functions for determining the maximumdaylight glare probability value and the daylight glare probabilityvalue, respectively, based on the space type.

MaxDGPValue=Lookup(SpaceType)  Equation 7:

DGPValue=Lookup(SpaceType)  Equation 8:

The amount of time the building receives daylight may be calculatedbased on the location in the basic input data 312, such as the latitudeand longitude of the location. For example, the amount of time thebuilding receives daylight may be output from a lookup function thatreceives the location or latitude and longitude as input. Equation 9provides an example lookup function for determining the number of hoursthe building receives daylight based on the location.

SunnyHours=Lookup(Location)  Equation 9:

The amount of time the building receives daylight may also be calculatedbased on a weighted average of multiple other locations within proximityto a given location. For example, the distance between a building andmultiple other locations may be determined. The amount of time thebuilding receives daylight may be weighted, for example, according tothe distance from each location and the amount of daylight received ateach location (e.g., weighted average of daylight received at threeclosest cities).

The orientation of a façade may be determined based on the facade andthe building rotation to determine the direction the façade is oriented.Each orientation of the building (e.g., north, south, east, west,northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest, etc.) may be assigned avalue. The building orientation may be selected by the user.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an input table 400 that may store computedfabric performance input data 314 and/or basic input data 312. The inputtable 400 may include location information 402, façade orientationinformation 404, buffer zone information 406, window size information408, glass type information 410, space type information 412, and/or roomcolor information 414.

The location information 402 may identify a latitude 416 and longitude418 at various locations and/or the amount of daylight 420 received ateach location. The façade orientation information 404 may identify theselectable façades of a building 422 and/or an orientation for eachfaçade 424. The buffer zone information 406 may identify the types ofbuffer zones for workspaces in the building and/or the distance of aworkspace from the window. The window size information may identifywindow types 426 and/or a window-to-wall ratio 428 for the window types426. The glass type information 410 may identify the selectable types ofglass 430 and/or the visible light transmittance T_(V-GLASS) 432 of thetypes of glass. The types of glass 430 may identify a number of panes inthe glass and/or an amount of tint in the glass. The space typeinformation 412 may identify a selectable type of space 434, a maximumdaylight glare probability value 436 for the selectable types of space434, and/or a daylight glare probability value 438 for the selectabletypes of space 434. The room color information 414 may identifyselectable shades of room colors or the actual room colors themselves.

The input table 400 may be used to determine the computed fabricperformance input data 314 based on the basic input data 312. While FIG.4 shows certain types of input information, the types of information inthe input table 400 are not limited to the input information shown.Additionally, while the input table 400 shows the input information inthe form of a table, similar information may be stored in formats otherthan a table.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the fabric performance engine 316 may use thebasic input data 312, the computed fabric performance input data 314,and/or the fabric data 318 to generate the fabric performance output320. The fabric performance engine 316 may access fabric data 318 (e.g.,a fabric database) to retrieve data identifying a plurality of differenttypes of fabric. The fabric performance engine 316 may use the fabricdata for evaluating performance of the identified fabrics based on thebasic input data 312 and/or the computed fabric performance input data314. The fabric data 318 may include, for one or more types of fabric, aunique identifier, a family name, an openness factor, a visible lighttransmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC) for one or more sides (e.g., afront side and a reverse side), a color group for one or more sides,and/or a view clarity rating for one or more sides.

The color group of the fabric may indicate a solid color, a combinationof multiple colors (e.g., a striped pattern), or a design (e.g., animage). The color groups may be within the same family of colors,combination of colors, and/or design. For example, the beige shades maybe in one group and the grey shades may be in another. In anotherexample, vertical striped shades may be in a different group thanhorizontal striped shades.

The view clarity rating may indicate an amount (e.g., percentage) ofvisibility available through the fabric. The view clarity rating may bebased on one or more other types of information in the fabric data 318.For example, the view clarity rating may be based on the opennessfactor, the difference between the visible light transmittance of thefabric T_(V-FABRIC) and the openness factor, and/or the color group. Agreater view clarity rating may result from a higher openness factor,darker color group, and/or a lower difference between the visible lighttransmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC) and the openness factor.

The identifier may indicate the family name of which the identifiedfabric is a part, the color group, the openness factor, and/or the viewclarity rating. The visible light transmittance of the fabricT_(V-FABRIC) may be a function of the color group and/or the opennessfactor. The fabric data 318 may include multiple fabrics that have thesame color group different openness factors and/or transmittances, suchthat the potential energy savings and/or daylight glare probability ofeach of the fabrics may differ. Each of these fabrics may be used fordifferent façades in a building to keep the same shade colors, patterns,and/or designs in a room or floor of a building, while also allowing afabric having different characteristics other than color to optimizecomfort to an occupant and/or energy usage.

Using the basic input data 312, computed fabric performance input data314, and/or the fabric data 318, the fabric performance engine 316 maygenerate performance metrics regarding the predicted performance of thewindow treatments and/or shades that may be installed in the building.The performance metrics may be included in the fabric performance output320. The fabric performance output 320 may comprise a fabric outputmatrix. The fabric output matrix that may include one or more fabricsand the corresponding performance for each fabric. For example, theperformances metrics of the fabric performance output 320 may include adaylight glare probability value, a maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue, a spatial daylight autonomy value, a view clarity rating (e.g.,from the fabric data 318), and/or a view rating for each fabric.

The spatial daylight autonomy value may indicate an amount (e.g.,percentage) of floor space where daylight alone may provide light over aperiod of time. For example, the spatial daylight autonomy value mayindicate a percentage of floor space where daylight alone provides 300lux or more for at least half of the work hours in a year. The spatialdaylight autonomy value may be affected by the openness factor and/orthe visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC). A higher openness factorand/or visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC) may increase the spatialdaylight autonomy value.

The daylight glare probability value may be affected by the opennessfactor and/or the visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC). A higheropenness factor and/or visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC) mayincrease the daylight glare probability value. The fabric color mayaffect the daylight glare probability value and/or the spatial daylightautonomy value. A lighter color fabric may increase the daylight glareprobability value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value.

The view rating may indicate an amount (e.g., percentage) of a windowthat may be unobstructed by window treatment material. For example, theview rating may indicate a window shade level (e.g., amount of windowthat is covered or not covered by the window shade). The view rating maybe determined based on the basic input data 312 and/or the computedfabric performance input data 314. For example, the view rating may behigher for a location that receives less daylight or daylight glare andis able to keep the shades open at a higher level for a greater amountof time giving an occupant a greater view.

The view rating may be determined based on the control type. The controltype may be a manual or automated control type. The level of the shadesmay be determined from the predicted automated control and/or manualcontrol of the shades.

The view rating may be based on the view clarity rating. For example,the fabrics that have a greater view clarity rating may have a lowerview rating. This may be because the shades with a greater view ratingmay have a greater openness factor, visible light transmittanceT_(V-FABRIC), and/or a lighter color group, which may cause the shadesto be lowered due to the amount of daylight that may be allowed in thespace. The lower view rating may indicate the shades may be at a lowerlevel to limit glare, thus obstructing the view. The fabrics at a façadeangle and/or a building orientation that receive more daylight and/or agreater maximum daylight intensity level may be given a lower viewrating, for example, because of the amount of light that may be allowedinto the space.

The fabrics that may be used in a space that has a shorter buffer zone,and/or a lower window-to-wall ratio, may be given a higher view ratingas the occupant may have a larger view when closer to a bigger window.These fabrics, however, may receive a lower view rating, or such viewratings may be mitigated, when the shades are lowered due to anincreased amount of daylight. For example, a larger window size mayallow a greater daylight intensity in the room and may cause the shadesto be closed more often. When the glass type and/or the visible lighttransmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) allows more visible lightthrough, the fabrics may receive a higher view rating as a better viewmay be perceived through the glass. These fabrics, however, may receivelower view ratings, or such view ratings may be mitigated, when theshades are lowered due to the increased amount of daylight.

The performances metrics of the fabric performance output 320 may begenerated for automated and/or manual control for each fabric. Theperformance metrics may be different for automated control of the fabricthan for manual control. The performance metrics for manual shadecontrol may be generated based on an assumption that the shades are keptin a single state during use. The shade state may be a fully-closedstate or a position between the fully-closed state and a fully-openedstate (e.g., partially-open, state). The performance metrics for manualshade control may be generated based on a predicted manual usage of theshades by an occupant. The predicted manual usage may be based on inputdata (e.g., basic input data 312 and/or computed fabric performanceinput data 314) and/or other data that indicates various thresholds atwhich an occupant may move their shades. For example, in a locationand/or orientation that has a higher daylight glare probability value,occupants may close the shades to prevent glare more often thanoccupants at locations with a lower daylight glare probability value.The performance metrics for automated shade control may be generatedbased on a predicted automated control of the shades. Examples ofmethods for automated shade control on which the automated control ofthe shades may be predicted are described in greater detail incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,288,981, issued Oct. 16, 2012,entitled METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOWTREATMENT WHILE MINIMIZING OCCUPANT DISTRACTIONS, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The fabric performance engine 316 may provide the performance metricsregarding the predicted performance of the window treatments back to thefabric selection wizard module 310. The fabric selection wizard module310 may establish (e.g., receive) the performance metrics regarding thepredicted performance of the window treatments for each of the pluralityof different fabrics of the fabric data 318. The fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may receive the fabric performance output 320 and may analyzethe data from the fabric performance output 320 to providerecommendations of one or more fabrics that may provide energy savingsand/or maximize the comfort of occupants (e.g., by reducing thepossibility of daylight glare). For example, the fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may rank fabrics having a low daylight glare probabilityvalue, a high spatial daylight autonomy value, and/or a high view ratingabove other fabrics. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may beconfigured to display the recommendations on a user interface to beviewed by a user.

FIGS. 5A-5I show example displays of a fabric selection input screen500. The fabric selection input screen 500 may be displayed by thefabric selection tool 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and may be used tocollect the basic input data 312 for the fabric selection tool 300. Inan example, the input screen 500 may be displayed by the fabricselection wizard module 310, which may receive the basic input data 312via the input screen 500.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5H, the fabric selection input screen 500 maycomprise a pre-selected fabric input section 510, a site info inputsection 520, an interior layout input section 530, a façade propertiesinput section 550, a shade certifications input section 570, and/or arecommended fabrics button 580. The different sections may be separatedinto different portions of the fabric selection input screen 500, suchas an upper portion 502 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5E) and a lower portion 504(shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G), or the sections may be included in the sameportion of the fabric selection input screen 500. One or more of thesections may be selected to display windows and/or options that mayinclude additional information for the section.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the fabric selection input screen 500 may comprisethe pre-selected fabric input section 510, the site info input section520, and/or the interior layout input section 530. The user may indicatewhether the user has pre-selected a fabric to use or not in thepre-selected fabric input section 510. The pre-selected fabric may beindicated by fabric family name, color or color family, an opennessfactor, and/or other fabric information, which may be stored in thefabric data 318 for example.

In the site info input section 520, the user may select the location 522and/or the façade orientation 524. The location may be indicated by thecountry, state, city, and/or zip code of the building in which thewindow treatments may be installed. The façade orientation 524 may beentered for one or more façades of the building. The user may select theorientations from a set of pre-determined orientations that may beprovided (e.g., from north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest,southeast, southwest). Each of the orientations may be associated with afaçade angle (e.g., north is 0°, south is 180°, etc.). The user mayalso, or alternatively, be able to enter the specific orientation anglefor each façade.

A location window 526 may be displayed in the fabric selection inputscreen 500 to illustrate the site location. The location window 526 maybe displayed next to the site info input section 520 as shown in FIG.5A. For example, the location window 526 may be displayed while the useris entering the location information. The location window 526 may bedisplayed in the form of a map location and/or geographic coordinates.The location window 526 may display the selected location of thebuilding as feedback to the user. The user may also, or alternatively,be able to select the location from the location window 526. Forexample, the location window 526 may display a number of countries,states, and/or cities that the user may select to identify a location ofa building of the closest location to the building.

FIG. 5B depicts an example of a compass window 528 that may be displayedin the fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate the façade angle.The compass window 528 may be displayed while a user may be selectingthe façade orientation. The compass window 528 may be displayed next tothe site info section 520. The compass window 528 may provide feedbackto the user of the selected façade angle. The user may also, oralternatively, be able to select the orientation angle for each façadefrom the compass window 528. The façade angle indicated in the compasswindow 528 may be within a range covered by a façade angle identified inthe façade orientation 524.

FIG. 5C depicts another example of a site info section 520 a that may bedisplayed in the fabric selection input screen 500. As shown in FIG. 5C,the site info input section 520 a may allow for other information to betracked for the façade orientation 524. The user may select theorientation for each façade from a set of pre-determined orientations523 that may be provided (e.g., from north, south, east, west,northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest). Each of the orientationsmay be associated with a façade angle (e.g., north is 0°, south is 180°,etc.) or a range of façade angles. The user may enter the specificorientation angle 525 for each façade. The user may also specify afaçade name for each façade that may identify the façade to the user,such as the direction of the façade or a street name along which afaçade may be located, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the user may indicate whether a façade is protectedfrom direct sun (e.g., due to a building or other structure). The usermay select one or more of the direct sun protection indicators 527, 529to indicate that the façade is protected from direct sun. The direct sunprotection indicators may be provided based on the orientation of afaçade. For example, if the façade is facing north, a façade protectionindicator may be omitted from being displayed, as the northern façademay not receive direct sun in the location over the course of a day. Asillustrated by the direct sun protection indicators 527 and 529,different indicators may be provided based on the orientation of thefaçade. For example, if the façade is facing east or west (e.g.,including northeast, southeast, northwest, or southwest) an indicator527 may be selected to identify that the façade is protected from directsun at sunrise or sunset. Though the direct sun protection indicator 527may be used as a common indicator for building orientations to the eastor the west, different indicators may be provided that correspond to theeast and west orientations to identify that the façade is protected atsunrise and sunset, respectively. If the façade is facing south (e.g.,including southeast or southwest) an indicator 529 may be selected toidentify that the façade is protected from direct sun at mid-day duringthe winter, or the summer depending on the building location.

The user may provide additional façades of the building for beingcharacterized using the façade addition function 521. The user may addany number of façades of the building that shades may be installed. Forexample, the user may add the number of façades to match the number offaçades of the building.

As shown in FIGS. 5D-5F, the user may select the space type 532, roomcolors 534, and/or an occupant's distance from a window 536, forexample, using the interior layout input section 530. The space type 532may indicate the general use of an area, such as that a space is afunctional area, a transition area, and/or a social area. The space typemay also, or alternatively, indicate individual rooms, such as anoffice, a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom and/or the like. FIG. 5Ddepicts an example of a space type window 538 that may be displayed inthe fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate the space types. Thespace type window 538 may be displayed while a user may be selecting thespace type 532. The space type window 538 may be displayed next to theinterior layout input section 530. The space type window 538 mayillustrate examples of the options for the space type 532. The spacetype window 538 may display examples of the selected space type 532 ofthe building as feedback to the user. The user may also, oralternatively, be able to select the space type 532 from the space typewindow 538. For example, the user may select the space type 532 as afunctional area, a transitional area, or a social area. Examples of thefunctional area may include an office area, a conference room, aclassroom, a patient room, a fitness center, and/or other functionalspaces. Transitional areas may include corridors, vestibules,stairwells, and/or other transitional spaces that may be passed throughby a user for a short time. Social areas may include lobbies, atriums,cafeterias, and/or other social gathering areas. While the space typewindow 538 provides more general descriptions of space types withexamples of more specific space types, the space type window 538 mayallow for selection of the more specific space types.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the selected space type532 to determine a maximum daylight glare probability value and/or thedaylight glare probability value. For example, the fabric selectionwizard module 310 may set the maximum daylight glare probability valueto 40% for a transitional area, to 35% for a functional area, and/or to40% for a social area.

The room colors 534 may indicate the shade of the room colors, such aslight, medium, and/or dark. The room colors 534 may also, oralternatively, include the room colors themselves, such as red, yellow,green, and/or the like. FIG. 5E depicts an example of a room colorswindow 540 that may be displayed in the fabric selection input screen500 to illustrate the room colors 534. The room colors window 540 may bedisplayed while a user may be selecting the room colors 534. The roomcolors window 540 may be displayed next to the interior layout inputsection 530. The room colors window 540 may illustrate examples of theoptions for room colors 534. The room colors window 540 may displayexamples of the selected room colors 534 of the building as feedback tothe user. The user may also, or alternatively, be able to select theroom colors 534 from the room colors window 540. For example, the usermay select the room colors 534 from predefined color options, such aslight, medium, and/or dark. The room colors window 540 may allow theuser to select more specific room colors or options. The room colors 534may include patterns and/or more specific color options, such as red,yellow, blue, etc. The room colors 534 may include the actual colors ofrooms in the building.

The occupant's distance from a window 536 may indicate the distance ofthe occupant's work space from the window. The occupant's distance froma window 536 may be entered specifically or based on one or morepredefined distances. The predefined distances may be identified by thedistance type between the occupant and the window. For example, the usermay select the occupant's distance from the window from the options:atrium, no aisle, small aisle, and/or large aisle. The fabric selectionwizard module 310 may use the selected occupant's distance from thewindow to determine a buffer zone distance for the building, one or morefaçades of the building, or one or more rooms of the building. As anexample, the buffer zone distance may be two feet for no aisle, fivefeet for small aisle, and/or eight feet for large aisle. Otherpredefined buffer zone distances may also be implemented.

FIG. 5F depicts an example of a buffer zone window 542 that may bedisplayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate theoccupant's distance from the window 536. The buffer zone window 542 maybe displayed while a user may be selecting the occupant's distance fromthe window 536. The buffer zone window 542 may be displayed next to theinterior layout input section 530. The buffer zone window 542 mayillustrate examples of the options for the occupant's distance from thewindow 536. The buffer zone window 542 may display examples of theselected occupant's distance from the window 536 or the definedoccupant's distance from the window 537 as feedback to the user. Theuser may also, or alternatively, be able to select the occupant'sdistance from the window 536 from the buffer zone window 542. Forexample, the user may select from predefined distance options, such asatrium, no aisle, small aisle, large aisle, etc. The user may alsoselect or enter an actual distance in the distance buffer zone window542 (e.g., on the slide bar in buffer zone window 542).

As shown in FIG. 5F, a user may input information using text (e.g., inthe form of a dropdown menu, as shown in the pre-selected fabric inputsection 510, a text box, as shown in the field to define occupant'sdistance from the window 537, etc.), visual representation (e.g., asshown in the buffer zone slide window 542), a radio button (e.g., asshown in interior layout input section 530), and/or another inputfunction. The text input information may be predefined in a dropdownlist, may be set by a network operator, and/or may be set by a user.Additionally, the text input information may include number, letters orother characters. The user may input data using the visualrepresentation by adjusting the visual representation to a predefinedposition. For example, the user may move the visual representation 543to a predefined distance left or right to indicate the buffer zone.

Referring to FIG. 5G, the fabric selection input screen 500 may comprisethe façade properties input section 550, the shade certifications inputsection 570, and/or the recommended fabrics button 580. In the façadeproperties input section 550, the user may select a window size 552and/or a glass type 554. The information input in the façade propertiesinput section 550 may be input for each façade or for a single façadethat may be representative of the other façades of the building.

The window size 552 may be indicated by a number of predefined windowsizes. The window size 552 may be input specifically. The predefinedwindow sizes may approximate the window size 552. The window size 552may be based on how much of a wall may be occupied by the window, suchas a curtain wall window, a mostly glass wall (e.g., greater than half),a half glass wall, a wall that has some glass (e.g., less than half),and/or the like. The actual window size may also, or alternatively, beentered. For example, a user may enter the window-to-wall ratio, thesize of the window, the number of windows in the building, and/or thesize of a façade that includes the windows. The window-to-wall ratio maybe determined (e.g., at the fabric selection wizard module 310) based onthe size of a window, the number of windows, and the size of the façade.

As shown in FIG. 5G, a window size window 562 may be displayed in thefabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate the window size 552. Thewindow size window 562 may be displayed while a user may be selectingthe window size 552. The window size window 562 may be displayed next tothe façade properties section 550. The window size window 562 mayillustrate example representations of the predefined window sizes. Thewindow size window 562 may illustrate the specific window size enteredby the user. The window size window 562 may display examplerepresentations of the window size 552 as feedback to the user. The usermay also, or alternatively, be able to select the window size 552 fromthe window size window 562. The fabric selection wizard module 310 mayuse the selected window size 552 to determine a window-to-wall ratio forthe building, one or more façades of the building, or one or more roomsof the building.

The glass type 554 may include a number of panes 556 in a window in thefaçade, a tint of the glass 558, and/or a visible transmittance of theglass T_(V-GLASS) 560. The tint of the glass 558 may be indicated bypredefined levels, such as clear, medium tint, dark tint, etc. The tintof the glass 558 may be indicated more specifically, such as by using apercentage of tint. The visible light transmittance of the glassT_(V-GLASS) 560 may indicate an amount of visible light transmittancethat may be allowed through the glass. The visible light transmittanceof the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560 may be based on the number of panes in thewindow 556. The visible light transmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560may be based on the amount of tint of the glass 558. The visible lighttransmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560 may be indicated as aspecific amount (e.g., percentage) or in predefined levels.

FIG. 5H depicts an example of a glass type window 564 that may bedisplayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate theglass type 554. The glass type window 564 may be displayed while a usermay be selecting the glass type 554. The glass type window 564 may bedisplayed next to the façade properties section 550. The glass typewindow 564 may illustrate example representations of the number of panesin the window 556, the tint of the glass 558, and/or the visible lighttransmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560 (not shown in FIG. 5H). Theglass type window 564 may display example representations of the numberof panes in the window 556, the tint 558, and/or the visible lighttransmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560 as feedback to the user. Theuser may also, or alternatively, be able to select the number of panesin the window 556, the tint of the glass 558, and/or the visible lighttransmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) 560 from the glass type window564.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the selected glass type554 for the windows to determine the visible light transmittance of theglass T_(V-GLASS) 560. For example, the fabric selection wizard module310 may use the number of panes in a window in the façade 556 and/or atint of the glass 558 to determine the visible light transmittance ofthe glass T_(V-GLASS) 560. The fabric selection wizard module 310 mayuse the number of panes in a window in the façade 556, the tint of theglass 558, and/or the visible light transmittance of the glassT_(V-GLASS) 560 to determine the visible light transmittance of thefabric T_(V-FABRIC) for the window treatments that may be installed inthe building, one or more façades of the building, or one or more roomsof the building.

The user may indicate one or more types of certifications of which shadefabrics of interest may be classified in the shade certifications inputsection 570. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the inputfrom the shade certifications input section 570 to filter out shadeswithout the indicated certifications for recommendation. The shadecertifications in the shade certifications input section 570 may includea polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free certification, a lead-freecertification, an anti-microbial/anti-fungal certification, arestriction of hazardous substance (RoHS) certification, an Oeko-TexStandard 100 certification, a Registration, Evaluation, Authorizationand Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) certification, a cradle-to-cradlesilver certification, a recyclable material certification, and/or arecycled content certification (e.g., indicating fabric is made ofrecycled content). The shade certifications may include fire ratings,such as the national fire protection association (NFPA) 701certification, the California U.S. Title 19 certification, an Mlcertification, and/or a B1 certification. The shade certifications mayinclude Greenguard certifications, such as the Greenguard certification,the Greenguard Gold certification, and/or the Greenguard Children andSchools certification.

The user may actuate the recommended fabrics button 580 to enter thedata on the fabric selection input screen 500 as basic input data 312into the fabric selection wizard module 310 and/or the fabricperformance engine 316. If one or more of the sections in the fabricselection input screen 500 are missing input data, the fabric selectioninput screen 500 may indicate that data is missing. The fabric selectionwizard module 310 and/or the fabric performance engine 316 may determinefabric selection recommendations when data is missing by using defaultvalues for missing data or by using a zero or null value for the missingdata that may not be considered by the fabric selection wizard module310 and/or the fabric performance engine 316.

As shown in FIG. 5I, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may displaya summary 582 of the information input by the user and/or default valuesprovided by the fabric selection wizard module 310. The summary 582 maybe displayed when the user selects the recommended fabrics button 580prior to retrieving the recommended fabrics. The summary 582 may displaypre-selected fabric information 511 identifying whether a fabric wasselected in the pre-selected fabric input section 510, site information521 identified in the site info input section 520 or 520 a, interiorlayout information 531 identified in the interior layout input section530, façade properties information 551 identified in the façadeproperties input section 550, shade certifications input information 571(not shown) identified in the shade certifications input section 570,and/or other input information or default values provided by the fabricselection wizard module 310. The summary 582 may allow the user to editand/or add information using the edit fields button 584. The edit fieldsbutton 584 may take the user to the fabric selection input screen 500,or identified sections therein, or allow the user to edit and/or addinformation in the summary 582 directly. The user may view therecommended fabrics by selecting the recommended fabrics button 586.Upon selection of the recommended fabrics button 586 or recommendedfabrics button 580, the input information 310 may be used to generatethe fabric performance output 320 and display the fabric performanceoutput 320, via the fabric selection wizard module 310, to the user.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5F and 5I, the fabric input selection screen 500may allow a user to save project parameters using the save projectbutton 590, reset the project parameters using the reset button 592,access saved projects using the projects tab 594, search for specificfabrics using the fabric search tab 596, and/or order fabrics samples ora fabric sample design kit based on the selected parameters using thedealer tab 598. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may save theproject parameters to memory upon receiving the save project button 590,reset the project parameters upon selection of the reset button 592,retrieve saved projects upon selection of the projects tab 594, providea text box or other search criteria to allow a user to search forfabrics upon selection of the fabric search tab 596, retrieve fabricsmeeting the search criteria submitted by the user, provide a page forthe user to order fabric samples or fabric sample design kits fromselect dealers upon selection of the dealer tab 598, and/or submit anorder for fabric samples or fabric sample design kits to select dealersupon submission by the user.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may also allow a user to saverecommended or preferred fabrics and/or download or print fabric reports(e.g., fabrics specifications, summaries of recommended or preferredfabrics, technical reports for submittal documents, etc.). The user maytake one or more of the reports to a window treatment dealer to orderthe window treatments having the desired fabric. The fabric selectionwizard module 310 may provide a screen for ordering window treatmentshaving one of the recommended fabric combinations.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart of a fabric selection procedure 600.The fabric selection procedure 600 may be executed by a fabric selectiontool, such as the fabric selection tool 300 shown in FIG. 3, forexample. At 610, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may collectbasic input data 612 (e.g., the basic input data 312 illustrated in FIG.3) and may compute the fabric performance input data 314 in response tothe collected basic input data 612. The fabric selection wizard module310 may display a fabric selection input screen (e.g., on the webbrowser or other application) for collecting the basic input data 612from a user. At 610, the fabric selection wizard 310 may compute thefabric performance input data 314 based on the basic input data 612.

The computed fabric performance input data 314 may be used fordetermining fabric performance data at 614. The fabric performanceengine 316 may receive the computed fabric performance input data 314.The fabric performance engine 316 may use the computed fabricperformance input data 314 to calculate the fabric performance output320. For example, the fabric performance engine 316 may analyze one ormore fabrics in the fabric data 318 according to the computed fabricperformance input data 314 to generate the fabric performance output320. The calculated fabric performance output 320 may include thedaylight glare probability value, the maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue, the spatial daylight autonomy value, and/or the view rating. Thefabric performance output 320 of each fabric may be calculated as afunction of the computed fabric performance input data 314 and/or thefabric data 318 (e.g., the fabric openness factor (OF), the visiblelight transmittance of the fabric T_(V-FABRIC), the fabric color group,the control type, etc.). Example functions for calculating variables inthe fabric performance output 320 are indicated in Equations 10 to 13below.

DGPValue(FabricID)=f(Input;OF;T_(V-FABRIC);ColorGroup;ControlType)  Equation10:

sDA(FabricID)=f(Input;OF;T_(V-FABRIC);ColorGroup;ControlType)  Equation11:

MaxDGPValue(FabricID)=f(Input)  Equation 12:

ViewRating(FabricID)=f(Input;ControlType)  Equation 13:

The view rating may provide the average height that bottom of shade maybe above the floor (e.g., in inches). For example, if a view ratingvalue is 74, then on average, bottom of the fabric of the windowtreatment is 74 inches above floor. The view rating may also bequantified as the average percent of window unobstructed by a windowtreatment across a year. The average percent may be calculated by takingthe daily average of window unobstructed by a window treatment duringdaylight hours for each day in a calendar year.

As illustrated in Equations 10 to 13, the calculated fabric performanceoutput 320 for a given fabric may include the daylight glare probabilityvalue (e.g., as shown in Equation 10), a spatial daylight autonomy value(e.g., as shown in Equation 11), a maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue (e.g., as shown in Equation 12), a view rating (e.g., as shown inEquation 13), and/or a view clarity rating value. The fabric performanceoutput 320 for a given fabric may be affected by input data (e.g., thebasic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance input data314), the fabric data 318 (e.g., openness factor, T_(V-FABRIC), and/orcolor group), and/or the type of control that may be used forcontrolling the window treatment (e.g., automated or manual control).The functions illustrated in Equations 10 to 13 may determine therespective values for a given fabric, which may be input as a fabricidentifier, for example.

As illustrated in Equations 10 and 11, the resulting daylight glareprobability value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value of a fabricmay be affected by the basic input data 612, the computed fabricperformance input data 314, and/or the fabric data 318. The daylightglare probability value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value maybe higher for fabrics that have a greater openness factor, greatervisible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC), or lighter color group at alocation (e.g., a latitude and longitude) that receives more daylight ora greater maximum daylight intensity level. The fabrics with a greateropenness factor, greater visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC), orlighter color group may receive a higher score for the daylight glareprobability value or the spatial daylight autonomy value when used at afaçade angle or a building orientation that receives more daylight or agreater maximum daylight intensity level.

As illustrated in Equations 10-12, the resulting daylight glareprobability value, the spatial daylight autonomy value, and/or themaximum daylight glare probability value of a fabric may be affected bythe basic input data 612, the computed fabric performance input data314, and/or the fabric data 318. The fabrics with a greater opennessfactor, greater visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC), or lightercolor group may receive a higher score for the daylight glareprobability value, for the maximum daylight glare probability value,and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy value when used in a space thathas a shorter buffer zone or a lower window-to-wall ratio. The fabricswith a greater openness factor, greater visible light transmittanceT_(V-FABRIC), or lighter color group may receive a higher score for thedaylight glare probability value, for the maximum daylight glareprobability value, and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy value whenthe glass type or visible light transmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS)allows more visible light through the glass. The fabrics with a greateropenness factor, visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC), or lightercolor group may receive a higher score for the daylight glareprobability value, for the maximum daylight glare probability value,and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy value when the space typereceives more visible light, the maximum amount of daylight glare at aspace is higher, the amount of time the space receives daylight glare ishigher, or the room colors are lighter. As described above, theincreased score for the variables in Equations 10-12 may be usedindicate an increased amount of daylight or daylight glare. Otherscoring systems may also be used.

As illustrated in Equations 12 and 13, the maximum daylight glareprobability value and/or the view rating for a fabric may be affected bythe basic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance inputdata 314. For example, the view rating may differ based on space type.In a space type for which the view is less important, such as atransition area for example, the view rating may be lower because theview may be less important to an occupant. In a space type for which theview may be more important, such as a social area or a functional areafor example, the view rating may be higher because the view may be moreimportant to an occupant. The maximum daylight glare probability valuemay also differ based on space type. In a space type for which theamount of glare may be perceived for a shorter period of time by theoccupant, such as a transition area for example, the maximum daylightglare probability value may be greater because it may be less noticeableor bothersome to the occupant. In a space type for which the amount ofglare may be perceived for a longer period of time by an occupant, suchas a social area or a functional area, the maximum daylight glareprobability value may be lower because it may be more noticeable orbothersome to the occupant. The fabrics that receive a greater daylightglare probability value may have a higher view rating. This may bebecause the shades allow more light to pass through, thus increasing theview. Similarly, the fabrics that are used at a façade angle and/or abuilding orientation that receives more daylight and/or a greatermaximum daylight intensity level may receive a lower view rating due tothe lower shade level limiting the glare. The fabrics that may be usedin a space that has a shorter buffer zone, and/or a lower window-to-wallratio may receive a lower view rating, as the user may have a smallerview when closer to a bigger window. When the glass type and/or thevisible light transmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS) allow more visiblelight through, the fabrics may receive a higher view rating as a betterview may be perceived. These fabrics, however, may receive a lower viewscore, or such scores may be mitigated, when the shades are lowered dueto the increased amount of daylight. As described above, the increasedscore for the variables in Equations 12 and 13 may be used indicate anincreased maximum daylight glare probability value and view,respectively, but other scoring systems may be used.

The daylight glare probability value and/or the maximum daylight glareprobability value may be calculated based on the originally receivedbasic input data 612. For example, the basic input data 612 may bepassed through the fabric selection wizard module 310 as an input forthe fabric performance engine 316 without additional calculations beingperformed. The daylight glare probability value and/or the spatialdaylight autonomy value may be calculated based on how an identifiedfabric in the fabric data 318 performs under the conditions indicated inthe basic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance inputdata 314. The maximum daylight glare probability value and/or the viewrating may be based on the basic input data 612 and/or the computedfabric performance input data 314. The daylight glare probability value,the spatial daylight autonomy value, the maximum daylight glareprobability value, and/or the view rating may each be determined basedon a manual or automated control of the shades, as described herein.

As described above, window treatments having the fabrics in the fabricdata 318 may perform differently based on the basic input data 612and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314. The fabricperformance output 320 may include the performance metrics for eachfabric in the fabric data 318 or a subset of the fabrics in the fabricdata 318. The subset of fabrics may be based on input data on which thefabrics in the fabric data 318 may be filtered, such as fabrics with anidentified openness factor, visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC),color or color group, view clarity rating, certification, and/or thelike.

A given fabric may generate a different amount of daylight glare and/ora different spatial daylight autonomy rating depending upon theinstallation location in the building (e.g., the façade on which thewindow treatment is installed). The fabric performance engine 316 mayanalyze each fabric of the fabric data 318 at the different façades. Theanalysis may be performed based on the orientation angle of each façade.The fabric performance engine 316 may include performance metrics in thefabric performance output 320 regarding each of the façades along whichthe window treatments may be installed.

At 614, the fabric performance engine 316 may analyze each fabric of thefabric data 318 based on automated and/or manual control. The fabrics inthe fabric data 318 may perform differently under automated (e.g.,motorized) control than under manual control. Automated (e.g.,motorized) control of the window treatments may provide for increasedenergy savings and/or comfort for the occupants. The fabric performanceengine 316 may include performance information in the fabric performanceoutput 320 that indicates the performance of the fabric when the fabricis in a window treatment performing under automated and/or manualcontrol.

At 614, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may choose theperformance characteristics from the fabric performance output 320 thatmay be relevant to the configurations of the building in which thewindow treatment may be installed. For example, the fabric performanceengine 316 may provide the fabric performance output 320 to the fabricselection wizard module 310 that conforms to the environment in whichthe window treatment may be installed (e.g., location, façadeorientation, buffer zone, window size, glass type, space type,window-to-wall ratio, the visible light transmittance of the glassT_(V-GLASS), etc.). In another example, the fabric performance engine316 may provide fabric performance output 320 that includes performancedata for various environments (e.g., location, façade orientation,buffer zone, window size, glass type, space type, window-to-wall ratio,the visible light transmittance of the glass T_(V-GLASS), etc.) to thefabric selection wizard module 310. The fabric selection wizard module310 may select the data in the fabric performance output 320 thatconforms to the environment in which the window treatment may beinstalled. The environment in which the window treatment may beinstalled may be determined based on the basic input data 612 and/or thecomputed fabric performance input data 314.

Since the fabric data 318 may include multiple fabrics within the samefamily and color group, but other different characteristics (e.g.,openness factors and/or transmittances), the fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may analyze the performance metrics for the fabrics having agiven family and/or color group across the different façades of thebuilding. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may generate acombination matrix that has an entry for each unique combination offabrics that may exist on the multiple façades of the building at 614.Each unique combination of fabrics may have the same family and/or colorgroup. For example, if the building has four façades, each entry of thecombination matrix may have four identifiers (e.g., a fabric for each ofthe four façades). The identifiers indicate fabrics having the samefamily and/or color group, but possibly differing openness factors andtransmittances.

For each entry in the combination matrix, the fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may calculate a combined daylight glare probability value, acombined spatial daylight autonomy value, a combined maximum daylightglare probability value, and/or a combined view rating for the fouridentifiers in that entry of the combination matrix. The combineddaylight glare probability value may be an average of the daylight glareprobability value for each façade. The combined daylight glareprobability value may be based on the worst case daylight glareprobability value across the façades. The combined spatial daylightautonomy value may be an average of the spatial daylight autonomy valuefor each façade. The combined spatial daylight autonomy value may bebased on the worst case spatial daylight autonomy value across thefaçades. The combined maximum daylight glare probability value may be anaverage of the maximum daylight glare probability value for each façade.The combined maximum daylight glare probability value may be based onthe worst case daylight glare probability value across the façades. Thecombined view rating may be an average of the view rating for eachfaçade. The combined view rating maybe based on the worst case viewrating across the façades. The fabric selection wizard module 310 maystore the combined daylight glare probability value, the combinedspatial daylight autonomy value, and/or the combined view rating in eachentry of the combination matrix.

At 616, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute one or moresummary scores based on the entries in the fabric performance output320. For example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute aglare score, a daylight score, and/or a view score. The fabric selectionwizard module 310 may also compute a direct glare score for one or morefabrics in the fabric performance output 320. The glare score, thedaylight score, and/or the view score may be calculated based on acombined score for the building that may be stored in the combinationmatrix. The glare score may be calculated based on the combined daylightglare probability value for each fabric in the combination matrix. Thedaylight score may be calculated based on the combined spatial daylightautonomy value for each fabric in the combination matrix. The daylightscore may be the same and/or may be used interchangeably with thedaylight score. The view score may be calculated based on the combinedview rating and/or view clarity rating. The glare score, the daylightscore, and/or the view score may be calculated for automated and/ormanual window treatments.

In another example, the summary scores may be calculated for eachfaçade. Similarly, predicted performance metrics may be calculated foreach façade. The summary scores may also be calculated for multiplefacades. Similarly, predicted performance metrics may be calculated formultiple façades. The scores for the façades may be calculated usingeach fabric. Fabric set scores may be calculated, for example, fordifferent sets of fabrics for multiple facades. The fabric set score mayindicate a performance of a set of fabrics when each fabric is used in awindow treatment on a different façade of the building. Each fabric in aset of fabrics may have characteristics that are the same of different.For example, the fabrics in a set of fabrics may be of the same familyor color group. If the same fabric or fabric family, color group, colorand/or openness factor are used for the facades, the scores across thefacades may be calculated, for example, when combining multiple facades.A fabric family may comprise a plurality of fabrics with the samematerial, same texture, or same manufacturer. A color group may comprisea plurality of fabrics with varying shades of a same color or aplurality of fabrics with a combination of colors including at least onecolor that is the same color. If the same fabric color is used for thefacades, an openness factor (e.g., the best openness factor) may beselected by each façade, and the summary scores may be calculated acrossthe facades, for example, when combining multiple facades.

The glare score may indicate a predicted amount of glare resulting in abuilding from use of the at least one fabric in the window treatment.The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare score at arelatively higher level if the daylight glare probability value for theentry in the fabric performance output 320 is lower than a predefinedhigh level threshold. The high level threshold may be the maximumdaylight glare probability value. The fabric selection wizard module 310may set the glare score at a relatively lower level if the daylightglare probability value for the entry in the fabric performance output320 is equal to or greater than a predefined low level threshold. Thefabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare score at a levelbetween the high level and the low level, for example, if the daylightglare probability value for the entry in the fabric performance output320 is between the high level and low level thresholds.

In an example in which the daylight glare probability value indicates anumber of hours of daylight glare over a period of time, the fabricselection wizard module 310 may set the glare score equal to 100% if theaverage daylight glare probability value for the entry in thecombination matrix is at zero hours. The fabric selection wizard module310 may set the glare score equal to 50% if the average daylight glareprobability value is less than or equal to the allowed annual hours ofpotential glare (e.g., from the basic input data 612 and/or the computedfabric performance input data 314). The fabric selection wizard module310 may set the glare score equal to zero if the average daylight glareprobability value is greater than the allowed annual hours of potentialglare.

The glare score may also, or alternatively, be a function of the maximumdaylight glare probability value from the basic input data 612 and/orthe computed fabric performance input data 314 computed at 610. Forexample, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare scoreequal to 100 if the daylight glare probability value is less than themaximum daylight glare probability value. If the daylight glareprobability value is greater than the maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue, but is less than the maximum daylight glare probability valueplus ten percent, then the fabric selection wizard module 310 may setthe glare score as illustrated in Equation 14.

GlareScore(FabricID)=100−(DGPValue(FabricID)−MaxDGPValue(FabricID))*1000  Equation14:

If the daylight glare probability value is greater than or equal to themaximum daylight glare probability value, then the fabric selectionwizard module 310 may set the glare score to zero indicating a poorglare score.

The glare score may be calculated based on the daylight glareprobability value for each facade of a building. The glare score may bebased on the daylight glare probability value, the average daylightglare probability value, the hours a daylight glare probability value isexceeded annually, and/or the maximum daylight glare probability value.The maximum daylight glare probability value may be based on an industryrecommended value for the daylight glare probability value of a fabric.The daylight glare probability value and/or maximum daylight glareprobability values may be space specific. For example, daylight glareprobability value and/or maximum daylight glare probability values maychange depending upon whether the space is a work space, a transitionalspace, or a social space. For example, a 30% daylight glare probabilityvalue is optimal for a work space, while a 35% daylight glareprobability value is optimal for a social space or a transitional space.The glare score may indicate the visual discomfort that is perceivedwhen a high intensity of diffuse light is transmitted through a fabric.The glare score may indicate the visual discomfort that is perceivedwhen a high intensity of diffuse light is transmitted through a fabric.

Using a calculated glare score, the fabric selection wizard module 310may calculate a direct glare score. A direct glare score may indicatethe reduction in glare based on the fabric. The direct glare score maybe based on the glare score and/or the direct glare adjustment score.The direct glare adjustment score may be based on the maximum directvisual transmittance of a fabric (Direct T_(V-MAX)). The DirectT_(V-MAX) may be a variable indicating when the sun is at its lowestangle relative to the façade. The Direct T_(V-MAX) variable may be acalculated according to Equation 15, and may be a function of theopenness factor of the fabric and the input.

Direct T_(V-MAX) =f(Input;OF)  Equation 15:

The Direct T_(V-MAX) may increase as the openness factor of the fabricincreases. The input in the Direct T_(V-MAX) variable may include thevisual transmittance of the glass, the orientation of façade and/orlatitude and longitude of the façade. Based on the inputs, the angle ofthe sun may be determined relative to the façade. Using the angle of thesun relative to the building and the light transmitted through the glassand the fabric at that angle, the percentage of sun rays that passthrough the fabric and glass may be determined. The direct glareadjustment score may also be based on a maximum visual transmittancedirect (MAX(T_(V-DIRECT))) variable of the fabric. The MAX(T_(V-DIRECT))variable may be a modifier for the Direct T_(V-MAX) variable based onthe space type (e.g., work space, transitional space, social space). TheMAX(T_(V-DIRECT)) may indicate the ideal limit for direct sun glare suchthat the average occupant perceives no visual discomfort. Using theDirect T_(V-MAX) and MAX(T_(V-DIRECT)), the direct glare adjustmentscore may be calculated. For example, an equation for calculating thedirect glare adjustment score may be illustrated in Equation 16 below.

Direct Glare Adjustment Score=(DirectT_(V-MAX)(fabric)−MAX(T_(V-DIRECT))*50  Equation 16:

The direct glare adjustment score may indicate the reduction in overallglare score to account for glare from direct view of the sun orb. Thefactor of 50 represents a scaling factor. For example, since theMAX(T_(V-DIRECT)) changes with space type, in a work space, theMAX(T_(V-DIRECT)) may be equal to 1. The Direct T_(V-MAX) may be between1 to 3, with 1 being the best and 3 being the worst, to ideally obtain azero glare adjustment score. In a transitional space or social space,however, the MAX(T_(V-DIRECT)) may be equal to 2. The Direct T_(V-MAX)may be between 2 to 4, with 2 being the best and 4 being the worst, toideally obtain a zero glare adjustment score.

The direct glare score may indicate the reduction in glare based onmetrics computed for closed shades for maximal glare control, or metricscomputed based on automated shades. The fabric selection wizard module310 may calculate the direct glare score based on the glare score andthe direct glare adjustment. For example, an equation for calculatingthe direct glare score may be illustrated in Equation 17 below.

Direct Glare Score=Glare Score−Direct Glare Adjustment  Equation 17:

The glare score for each façade may be combined (e.g., averaged or basedon the lowest glare score for each façade) to determine the glare scorefor the building. For example, an equation for calculating the glarecombined score is illustrated in Equation 18 below.

GlareCombined=(Σ(Direct Glare Score)₁+ . . . +(Direct GlareScore)_(n))/n  Equation 18:

The combined glare score may be calculated using the average directglare scores for each facade or the worst calculated direct glare scoresfor each façade. In Equation 18, the average of the direct glare scoresis computed, such that n equals the total number of glare summaryscores, which is equal to the number of facades.

The daylight score may be calculated based on the spatial daylightautonomy value for each façade of the building. To compute the daylightscores, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the daylightscores based on the spatial daylight autonomy value of the fabrics. Thedaylight scores for each fabric may be determined based on the glarescore for the fabric. The fabric selection wizard module 310 maydetermine the fabric that has the highest spatial daylight autonomyvalue of the fabric when combined with a glare score. For example, thefabrics with the highest daylight scores having a glare score of 100%may be assigned a daylight score of 100%. As the spatial daylightautonomy value decreases for the fabrics at each glare score, thedaylight score also decreases. The daylight scores may similarlydecrease as the glare scores decrease, for example, when values otherthan 100% for the glare score are used.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the daylight scores forthe other fabric combinations by normalizing the spatial daylightautonomy ratings as compared to the spatial daylight autonomy rating ofthe fabric combination having the daylight score of 100%. For example,the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the daylight score ofeach other fabric combination equal to the spatial daylight autonomyrating of that combination divided by the spatial daylight autonomyrating of the fabric combination having the daylight score of 100%. Thefabric selection wizard module 310 may limit the daylight scores to 100%or less.

TABLE 1 illustrates an example for calculating the daylight score basedon the glare score and the spatial daylight autonomy value.

TABLE 1 sDA Glare Score Daylight Score 60%  66% 100% 50%  66% 100% 40%100% 100% 30% 100%  75% 20%  33%  50% 10%  66%  25%As shown in TABLE 1, the spatial daylight autonomy values that areassociated with the highest glare score (e.g., a glare score of 100%)may set the upper limit for the daylight score. In the example shown inTABLE 1, the shade fabric having a 40% spatial daylight autonomy valuemay receive the upper limit for the daylight score (e.g., daylight scoreof 100%). In TABLE 1, the spatial daylight autonomy values above thespatial daylight autonomy that is determined to be the upper limit mayreceive the highest daylight score (e.g., 100%), regardless of glarescore. The spatial daylight autonomy values below the upper limit mayreceive a fraction of the highest daylight score, regardless of glarescore. For example, in TABLE 1, as the spatial daylight autonomy valuemoves down by 10%, the daylight score moves down by 25%. In otherexamples, the daylight score may change by different amounts relative tothe spatial daylight autonomy value, or the spatial daylight autonomyvalue and the glare score may each be considered to determine eachdaylight score. For example, the spatial daylight autonomy value and theglare score may be added or averaged to determine each daylight score.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may calculate the daylight scorebased on the automated spatial daylight autonomy value for each façadeof the building. The daylight score may indicate a predicted amount ofdaylight resulting in the interior space from use of the fabric in thewindow treatment. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may calculatethe summary daylight score based on the spatial daylight autonomy limitvalue. The spatial daylight autonomy limit value may be the maximumspatial daylight autonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summaryscore higher than zero. An example equation for calculating the daylightautonomy summary score is illustrated in Equation 19 below.

Daylight Score=sDA/sDA_(LIMIT)  Equation 19:

The daylight score for each façade may be combined (e.g., averaged orbased on the lowest daylight score for each façade) to determine thedaylight score for the building. For example, an equation forcalculating the daylight combined score is illustrated in Equation 20below.

DaylightCombined=(Σ(sDA/sDA_(LIMIT))₁+ . . .+(sDA/sDA_(LIMIT))_(n))/n  Equation 20:

In Equation 20, the average of the daylight summary scores is computed,such that n equals the total number of daylight summary scores, which isequal to the number of facades.

The view scores for each fabric may be determined based on the glarescore for the fabric. The view score may indicate an occupant'spredicted amount of view out of the at least one window when the windowtreatment is installed. The fabric selection wizard module 310 maydetermine the fabric that has the highest view preservation rating whencombined with a glare score. For example, the fabrics with the highestview scores having a glare score of 100% may be assigned a view score of100%. As the view preservation rating decreases for the fabrics at eachglare score, the view score may also decrease. The view scores maysimilarly decrease as the glare scores decrease when values other than100% for the glare score are used.

TABLE 2 illustrates an example for calculating the view score based onthe glare score and the view preservation rating.

TABLE 2 View Preservation Glare Score View Score 80%  66% 100% 60% 100%100% 45%  66%  75% 35% 100%  58% 30%  33%  50% 15%  66%  25%As shown in TABLE 2, the view preservation ratings that are associatedwith the highest glare score (e.g., a glare score of 100%) may set theupper limit for the view score. In the example shown in TABLE 2, theshade fabric having a 60% view preservation rating may receive the upperlimit for the view score (e.g., view score of 100%). In TABLE 2, theview preservation values above the view preservation value that isdetermined to be the upper limit may receive the highest view score(e.g., 100%), regardless of glare score. The view preservation ratingsbelow the upper limit may receive a fraction of the highest view score,regardless of glare score. As the view preservation rating moves down,the view score may move down according to a predetermined percentage. Inother examples, the view score may change by different amounts relativeto the view preservation rating, or the view preservation rating and theglare score may each be considered to determine each view score. Forexample, the view preservation rating and the glare score may be addedor averaged to determine each view score.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the view scores for theother fabric combinations by normalizing the view preservation ratingsas compared to the view preservation rating of the fabric combinationhaving the view score of 100%. For example, the fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may set the view score of each other fabric combination equalto the view preservation rating of that combination divided by the viewpreservation rating of the fabric combination having the view score of100%. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may limit the view scoresto 100% or less.

The view score may be calculated based on the view rating and/or viewclarity rating for each façade of the building. The view score for eachfaçade may be combined (e.g., averaged or based on the lowest view scorefor each façade) to determine the view score for the building. The viewpreservation rating may be calculated based on an automated view. Tocompute the view preservation rating, the fabric selection wizard module310 may use the percent openness of the fabric, the view score, and theview limit score. The percent openness of the fabric may be calculatedbased on the typical shade position and the WWR. For example, anequation for calculating the percent openness of the fabric isillustrated in Equation 21 below.

%Open(Fabric)=(TypicalShadePosition(Fabric)−WindowHeight)/(WWR(Fabric)−CeilingHeight)  Equation21:

As illustrated in Equation 21, the percent openness of a fabric may beaffected by the typical shade position of the fabric as well as the WWRfor the fabric. The typical shade position may be determined byaveraging the shade position measured during every daylight hour in acalendar year. In Equation 21, the ceiling height may be estimated(e.g., an estimated height of 120 inches). Based on the actual height ofthe ceiling, the ceiling height variable may change to represent theactual height of the ceiling. Similarly, in Equation 21, the distancebetween the floor and the bottom of the window may be estimated (e.g.,an estimated height of 30 inches). Based on the actual distance betweenthe floor and the bottom of the window, the window height variable maychange to represent the actual distance between the floor and bottom ofthe window.

The view score may also, or alternatively, be calculated based on a viewpreservation rating. The view preservation rating may be a combinationof the view rating and the clarity rating. To compute the view scores,the fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the view rating, the viewclarity rating, and/or the view preservation rating. For example, thefabric selection wizard module 310 may calculate the view preservationrating based on a combination of the view rating and the view clarity.The view preservation rating may indicate a total amount of a windowview that may be preserved when a window treatment is used. For example,the view preservation rating may be 100% when a window treatment isfully open (e.g., same as the view rating) and may be 10% when thewindow treatment is fully closed (e.g., the same as the view clarityrating). The 10% rating when fully closed may indicate that the fabricallows a small amount of view to the outdoors even when closed due tothe openness factor. Specifically, 10% may indicate that a typicalperson would see 10% as well through the fabric as without it there. Theview preservation rating may be based on the combined view rating andthe combined view clarity rating for a building, or the viewpreservation rating may be determined for each façade. The fabricselection wizard module 310 may calculate the view rating based on thepercent openness of the fabric and the view clarity score for thefabric. For example, an equation for calculating the view rating of thefabric is illustrated in Equation 22 below.

ViewRating(Fabric)=% Open(Fabric)+(1−%Open(Fabric))*ViewClarity(Fabric)  Equation 22:

As illustrated in Equation 22, the view rating for the fabric may beaffected based on the percent openness score and the view clarity. Theview rating score may be used interchangeably with the view score, andvice versa.

The view clarity rating may indicate the amount of visibility availablethrough a fabric. For example, an equation for calculating the viewclarity rating of the fabric is illustrated in Equation 23 below.

V_(CI)=1.36*(OF)^(0.51)+0.68*(OF/T_(V-FABRIC))^(1.19)−0.18  Equation 23:

The view limit rating may be calculated based on the view rating and theglare summary scores for the fabrics. For example, an equation forcalculating the view limit rating is illustrated in Equation 24 below.

ViewLimitRating=MAX(View Score The Fabrics with Direct GlareScore>0)  Equation 24:

The view limit rating value may indicate the maximum spatial daylightautonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summary score higher thanzero. The view limit rating value may be the highest value that can beobtained without resulting in a high perceived glare. As shown inEquation 25, the view limit rating may change based on the fabricsselected, as well as the direct glare score for the fabrics. UsingEquations 21-24, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may calculatethe view score. For example, an equation for calculating the view scoreis illustrated in Equation 25 below.

View Score=ViewRating(Fabric)/ViewLimitRating  Equation 25:

The view score for each façade may be combined (e.g., averaged or basedon the lowest view score for each façade) to determine the view scorefor the building. For example, an equation for calculating the viewcombined score is illustrated in Equation 26 below.

ViewCombined=(Σ(ViewPreservSum(Fabric))₁+ . . .+(ViewPreservSum(Fabric))_(n))/n  Equation 26:

In Equation 26, the average of the view scores is computed, such that nequals the total number of view preservation summary scores, which isequal to the number of facades.

The fabric selection wizard module 310 may assign each of the fabriccombinations of the combination matrix an overall rating based on theglare score and/or the daylight score of the respective fabriccombination. The overall rating may comprise, for example, a star ratingbetween five and zero stars, with five stars being the best rating. Forexample, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may assign the overallratings to a fabric combination as follows:

-   -   5.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score ≧90%;    -   4.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score ≧80%;    -   4.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score ≧70%;    -   3.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score ≧50%;    -   3.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score <50%;    -   2.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score ≧90%;    -   2.0 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score ≧80%;    -   1.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score ≧70%;    -   1.0 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score ≧50%;    -   0.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score <50%; and    -   0 Stars if Glare Score=0%.

In another example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may assignthe overall ratings to a fabric combination using a glare score and/or adaylight-view score of each fabric combination. The daylight-view scoremay indicate the daylight score, the view score, or a combinationthereof. The daylight-view score may be based on the space type. Forexample, when the space type is a functional area, the daylight-viewscore may be an average of the daylight score and the view score. Whenthe space type is a transition area, the daylight-view score may beequal to the daylight score. When the space type is a social area, thedaylight-view score may be equal to the view score. For example, thefabric selection wizard module 310 may assign the overall ratings to afabric combination using the daylight-view score as follows:

-   -   5.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score ≧90%;    -   4.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score ≧80%;    -   4.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score ≧70%;    -   3.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score <70%;    -   3.0 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score ≧90%;    -   2.5 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score ≧80%;    -   2.0 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score ≧70%;    -   1.5 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score <70%;    -   1.0 Stars if Glare Score >33% & Daylight-View Score ≧90%;    -   0.5 Stars if Glare Score >33% & Daylight-View Score <90%; and    -   otherwise, 0 Stars.

In another example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may assignthe overall ratings to a fabric combination using a glare score and/or adaylight/view score of each fabric combination. The daylight/view scoremay be based on the space type. For example, when the space type is afunctional area, the daylight/view score may be an average of thedaylight score and the view score. When the space type is a transitionarea, the daylight/view score may be equal to two-thirds of the daylightscore added to one-third of the view score. When the space type is asocial area, the daylight/view score may be equal to one-third of thedaylight score added to two-thirds of the view score. For example, thefabric selection wizard module 310 may assign the overall ratings to afabric combination using the daylight/view score as follows:

-   -   5.0 Stars if Glare Score=75% & Daylight/View Score=MAX(Best);    -   4.5 Stars if Glare Score=75% & Daylight/View Score        ≧90%*MAX(Best);    -   4.0 Stars if Glare Score=75% & Daylight/View Score        ≧80%*MAX(Best);    -   3.5 Stars if Glare Score=75% & Daylight/View Score        <70%*MAX(Best);    -   3.0 Stars if Glare Score >75% & Daylight/View Score        ≧70%*MAX(Best);    -   2.5 Stars if Glare Score >50% & Daylight/View Score ≧MAX(Good);    -   2.0 Stars if Glare Score >50% & Daylight/View Score        ≧90%*MAX(Good);    -   1.5 Stars if Glare Score >50% & Daylight/View Score        <70%*MAX(Good);    -   1.0 Stars if Glare Score >50% & Daylight/View Score        ≧70%*MAX(Good);    -   0.5 Stars if Glare Score >25% & Daylight/View Score Not        Applicable    -   0 Stars if Glare Score <25% & Daylight/View Score Not Applicable        Five to three stars may indicate that the fabric is in the Best        range, while 2.5-1 star may indicate a fabric is in the Good        range. The daylight and view score may be a function of the        maximum daylight and view score in the associated range (e.g.,        Best, Good). While scores of 1-100 percent and stars from 0-5        are used herein, other similar scoring systems may be used.

Referring again to FIG. 6, at 618, the fabric selection wizard module310 may rank the fabric combinations based upon the overall ratings. Ifthere are multiple fabric combinations having the same overall rating,the fabric selection wizard module 310 may rank higher the fabriccombinations having the higher spatial daylight autonomy ratings.Additionally, or alternatively, the fabric selection wizard module 310may compute a view score based on the view rating for each entry in thecombination matrix. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may rank thecombinations based upon one or more of the glare score, the daylightscore, and/or the view score at step 618. For example, the fabricselection wizard module 310 may rank the fabrics according to glarescore and then either of the view score and/or the daylight score next.The fabrics with a higher glare score may have a higher rank and thenthe view score and/or the daylight score may be used to distinguishbetween fabrics having the same glare score. The fabric section wizardmodule 310 may rank the combinations based upon the extent to which oneor more of the glare score, the daylight score and/or the view scoresatisfy predefined window treatment recommendation criteria. Thepredefined window treatment recommendation criteria may be criteria thataffect the amount of energy and/or comfort for an occupant in a loadcontrol environment. The predefined window-treatment recommendationcriteria may be criteria for window treatments against which theperformance of a window treatment may be compared. For example, thepredefined window-treatment recommendation criteria may be thresholdlevels for the predefined predicted performance metrics and/or summaryscores. The predefined window treatment recommendation criteria may besystem and/or user defined. For example, the system and/or the user mayselect a threshold value for one or more predefined window-treatmentrecommendation criteria.

If the user has not pre-selected a fabric at step 620 (e.g., using thepre-selected fabric input section 510 of the fabric selection inputscreen 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5E), the fabric selection wizard module 310may display one or more of the recommended (e.g., highest ranked) fabriccombinations at step 622. Also, or alternatively, the fabric sectionwizard module may display the extent to which one or more of therecommended fabric combinations satisfy the predefined window treatmentrecommendation criteria.

If the user has pre-selected a fabric at step 620 (e.g., using thepre-selected fabric input section 510 of the fabric selection inputscreen 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5E), the fabric selection wizard software310 may display another fabric selection output screen (not shown) atstep 624. The alternate fabric selection output screen may show theperformance metrics of the pre-selected fabric alongside the performancemetrics of at least one of the recommended fabric combinations. A userof the fabric selection wizard module 310 may compare the performance ofthe pre-selected fabric with at least one of the recommended fabrics.

With regard to the recommended fabric, the fabric characteristics mayvary. The variation in fabric characteristics may affect the environmentin which the window treatment may be installed. The openness factorand/or the visible light transmittance of a fabric T_(V-FABRIC) mayaffect the daylight glare probability value. For example, a fabric witha 5% openness factor and a 13% visible light transmittance of a fabricT_(V-FABRIC) may have a 20% daylight glare probability value. As theopenness factor and/or the visible light transmittance of a fabricT_(V-FABRIC) increase or decrease, the daylight glare probability valuemay also increase or decrease, respectively. An occupant of a room maybegin to observe daylight glare at about a 35% glare level. The daylightglare may begin to be uncomfortable to the occupant at about a 45% glarelevel. As a result, a fabric may be manufactured that causes a daylightglare probability value of less than 35%, such as a 33% daylight glareprobability value for example. The openness factor and/or the visiblelight transmittance of a fabric T_(V-FABRIC) may affect the daylightglare probability value. A fabric may be used that prevents the daylightglare probability from reaching the 35% daylight glare probabilityvalue, or at least a 45% daylight glare probability value, to avoidmaking the occupant uncomfortable.

Though fabrics may be recommended that may have less than a 35% or a 45%daylight glare probability value, the openness factor of the fabric mayvary. The variation of the openness factor of the fabric may cause thevisible light transmittance of a fabric T_(V-FABRIC) and the daylightglare probability value to also vary. For example, a 1% change in theopenness factor of the fabric may cause up to about a 10% change in thedaylight glare probability value. To prevent the daylight glareprobability value from raising above a level of 35% or 45%, therecommended fabrics may be manufactured within a tolerance for opennessand/or the recommended fabrics may have a lower maximum daylight glareprobability value to offset the variance in openness. For example, thefabric's tolerance for openness may be less than 1% for fabrics that arerecommended with less than a 35% daylight glare probability value toprevent the daylight glare probability value from raising to 45% due tovariance in openness. The fabric's tolerance for openness may be 0.5% orless to prevent the daylight glare probability value from coming within5% of the 45% daylight glare probability value. The openness tolerancemay be more critical for fabrics with a lower openness. As a result, theopenness tolerance may be selected based on the change in daylight glareprobability value for fabrics with a lower openness (e.g., 1%-5%).

Fabric recommendations may limit the openness factor and/or the visiblelight transmittance T_(V-FABRIC) to prevent a daylight glare probabilityvalue from reaching a predefined comfort limit or maximum daylight glareprobability value (e.g., a 35% maximum daylight glare probabilityvalue). For example, a set of input parameters may lead to a recommendedfabric with a rated openness of 3% and a visible light transmittanceT_(V-FABRIC) of 6%. To prevent the occupant from perceiving glare, thefabric tolerance may be set to +/−0.5%. An example of tolerances and themaximum daylight glare probability values that may result from thosetolerances is provided below in TABLE 3.

TABLE 3 Tolerance Max DGP Rated Fabric 32.6% +0.5% openness 37.4%   +1%openness 42.2% +1.5% openness 47.1% +2.0% openness 51.9%

Recommended fabric may be restricted in openness factor and/or visiblelight transmittance T_(V-FABRIC), for example, to prevent the daylightglare probability value from raising above a level of 35% or 45%. Forexample, the openness on a recommended fabric may be restricted tobetween 1% and 10%, the openness tolerance may be restricted to 0.5% orless, and the visible light transmittance T_(V-FABRIC) may be restrictedto between 1% and 30%, which may result in a daylight glare probabilityvalue of approximately 15% to approximately 35%. If the correct limitsare selected for the openness factor, the T_(V-FABRIC), and/or thetolerance, the resulting daylight glare probability value will be 15% to35%. The resulting daylight glare probability value will depend on thelevel of restriction of the openness factor, the T_(V-FABRIC), and/orthe tolerance. The maximum daylight glare probability value for arecommended fabric may also, or alternatively, be less than 35% toprevent the openness variance from reaching a noticeable oruncomfortable level for the occupant. For example, the maximum daylightglare probability value for a recommended fabric may be about 33%.

FIGS. 7A-7G show example displays of a fabric selection output screen700 that may display recommended fabrics and/or fabric combinations. Forexample, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may display a fabricselection output screen 700, or portions thereof, through a web browseror other application for displaying the recommended fabric combinations.As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fabric selection output screen 700 maycomprise a project information section 710, a recommended fabrics listsection 720, a selected recommended fabric information section 730, amanual shades comparison section 740, and/or a motorized shadescomparison section 750. The fabric selection output screen 700 maycomprise one or more portions, such as an upper portion 702 (shown inFIG. 7A) and/or a lower portion 704 (shown in FIG. 7B-7G).

The project information section 710 of the fabric selection outputscreen 700 may list information regarding the project for the buildingin which the window treatments may be installed, e.g., the basic inputdata 312 received by the fabric selection input screen 500 shown inFIGS. 5A-5I. The recommended fabrics list section 720 may list therecommended fabrics and/or fabric combinations. For example, therecommended fabrics in the recommended fabrics list section 720 mayinclude the highest ranking fabric combinations. The recommended fabricsin the recommended fabric list 720 may be computed based on measurescores providing the highest ranking objective fabric combinations orbased on subjective variables. The subjective variable may be user inputbased on desired levels for glare, daylight, view, solar control, etc.The subjective variables may be based on user priorities, such as a userpreferring glare to be weighted more heavily than view. Therecommendations may be filtered, such as by value, sustainability, rank,solar energy allowed, etc. The selected recommended fabric informationsection 730 may provide information regarding a selected recommendedfabric combination 722 of the recommended fabrics list section 720. Auser may scroll through a plurality of selected recommended fabriccombinations (e.g., selected recommended fabric combination 722) in theselected recommended fabric list section 720. The user may scrollthrough the plurality of selected recommended fabric combinations in anydirection, such as left to right, up and down, etc. The selectedrecommended fabric combination 722 may list an image or representationof the fabric, the fabric type, the rating of the fabric (e.g., zero tofive stars), the openness ratings or percentages, and/or otherinformation. The representation of the fabric may indicate the shade ofthe fabric and/or the texture of the fabric.

The selected recommended fabric information section 730 may include animage 732 or other representation of the selected recommended fabriccombination 722, such that the user may make decisions on which fabricto purchase based on the aesthetic appearance of the fabric. Theselected recommended fabric information section 730 may include aranking 734 of the selected recommended fabric combination 722, anopenness factor 736 for the selected recommended fabric combination 722,and/or performance scores 738 for the selected recommended fabriccombination 722. As indicated in FIG. 7A, the openness factor 736 may beprovided for one or more façade orientations. The performance scores 738may include the fabric performance output 320 on which the fabricranking 734 may be based. FIG. 7A shows the daylight score of theselected recommended fabric combination 722, the glare score (e.g.,visual comfort) of the selected recommended fabric combination 722, andthe view score of the selected recommended fabric combination 722, butother types of fabric performance output 320 may be provided. Forexample, the direct glare score may be shown as a fabric performanceoutput 320.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the manual shades comparison section 740 and themotorized shades comparison section 750 may each list the performancemetrics from the fabric performance output 320 that are based the manualcontrol and automated control, respectively, for the selectedrecommended fabric combination 722 of the recommended fabrics listsection 720. A user of the fabric selection wizard module 310 may beable to compare the performance of the selected recommended fabriccombination 722 using manual and automated control. The user may be ableto understand the savings and advantages of automated control overmanual control. The manual shades comparison section 740 and themotorized shades comparison section 750 may each list the performancescores for the selected fabric 722 under manual and automated control,which may include a daylight score section 760, a glare score section770, and/or a view score section 780.

The daylight score section 760 may display the useful daylight zone 766and a daylight score 764. The useful daylight zone may identify adistance into a room from the window that includes an amount of usefuldaylight. The useful daylight zone may be calculated using the spatialdaylight autonomy value and the depth of the room (e.g., 40 feet). Anexample equation for calculating the useful daylight zone may beillustrated in Equation 27 below.

Useful Daylight Zone=sDA*(RoomDepth)  Equation 27:

The daylight score section 760 may display a representation of a roomdepicting the useful daylight in the room associated with the selectedrecommended fabric for manual shades and automated shades. For example,in FIG. 7B, the manual shades 740 show useful daylight zone of 10 feet,with a useful daylight zone marker 762 a depicting the position in theroom to which the useful daylight will extend. In FIG. 7B, the automatedshades 750 show useful daylight zone of 20 feet, with a useful daylightzone marker 762 b depicting the position in the room to which the usefuldaylight will extend. The space between the markers 762 a, 762 b and thewindow may be shaded and the shading may become lighter the further thedistance from the window. The daylight score section 760 may include amap scale 766 that may be used to indicate and measure the relativedistance of the useful daylight zone markers 762 a, 762 b.

The glare score section 770 may include a representation of the glarescore level for the manual shades 740 and automated shades 750. Theglare score section 770 may be based on the glare score. As shown inFIG. 7B, the glare score level representation may include a meter 772 athat indicates the level of visual comfort for the manual shadescomparison section 740 and a meter 772 b that indicates the level ofvisual comfort for the motorized shades comparison section 750. Themeter 772 a, 772 b includes equal sections indicating low, medium, andhigh levels of glare score, with a pointer aimed at the glare scorelevel associated with the selected recommended fabric for manual shadesand automated shades. Low glare score may be indicated when the glarescore is a relatively low, such as a glare score that is based on adaylight glare probability value of more than one hundred hours of glareper year. Medium glare score may be indicated when the glare score isbetween the low and high thresholds, such as a glare score that is basedon a daylight glare probability value between ten and one hundred hoursof glare per year. High glare score may be indicated when the glarescore is relatively high, such as when the glare score is less than tenhours of glare per year. Though the glare score representation isidentified as a meter, the glare score representation may be depicted inanother form, such as a glare score bar or graph. The glare scoresection 770 may also, or alternatively, depict the daylight glareprobability (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7F) and/or glare score. The glarescore and/or visual comfort section 770 may also provide an option toexpand an information box that may explain the consequences or potentialresults of the daylight glare probability value, and/or glare score.

The view score section 780 may include a view score 782, a visualrepresentation 784 of the shade level, and/or the typical shade position786. The visual representation 784 of the shade level may show thetypical shade position 786, from which the view score 782 may be based.The view score section 780 may include a view clarity through the fabric(not shown) and/or other information for both the manual shades 740 andautomated shades 750.

Referring back to FIG. 7A, a user may actuate a filter button 728. Thefilters button may include a drop down list or menu including variousfilters to apply to the recommended fabric combinations displayed in therecommended fabrics list 720. For example, the filters may include, butare not limited to, color, saved fabrics, thermal reflectance, solarreflectance and/or certifications, such as PVC Free, GREENGUARDCertified, Recyclable, Recyclable Content, and/or Cradle to CradleCertified. The filter may be used to filter out or include reflectiveshades that have a solar reflectance above a predefined threshold, forexample.

The user may actuate the button 729, or a similar function, to displayTHEIA™ Compliant fabrics. As shown in FIG. 7A, the button 729 isactuated and THEIA™ Compliant Fabrics are displayed in the recommendedfabrics list section 720. Similar functions may be included in thefabric selection output screen 700 for other fabric filters.

The user may enlarge a recommended fabric combination and/or showadditional information regarding the fabric combination displayed in therecommended fabrics list 720. For example, FIG. 7C shows the enlargedrecommended fabric combination section 790 for the recommended fabriccombination 722. The enlarged recommended fabric combination section 790may include the category 791, the part number 792, the fabric details793, the performance metrics 794, other properties of the fabric 795, avisual representation of the fabric 796, and/or other information. Thefabric details 793 may include the family name for the fabric, thecollection name, the certifications, the color, the openness factor,whether the fabric is THEIA™ compliant, and/or other information. Theperformance metrics may include nominal and measured performancemetrics. Nominal metrics, for example, are the numbers provided directlyfrom a fabric manufacturer with little validation of their measurementprocess, and may be considered “approximate”. Measured performancemetrics include validation of measurement procedures and may includetolerance values for performance metrics. For example, the performancemetrics may list the nominal and measured openness, the measured visiblelight transmittance (T_(V-FABRIC)), a solar absorptance (A_(S)), a solartransmittance (T_(S)), a solar reflectance (R_(S)), solar heat gaincoefficient SHGC (not shown), and/or combined solar heat gaincoefficient (SHGC_(FABRIC-GLASS)) (not shown). The performance metricsmay also list a maximum and a minimum for the nominal and measuredopenness, the measured visible light transmittance (T_(V-FABRIC)), thesolar absorptance (A_(S)), the solar transmittance (T_(S)), the solarreflectance (R_(S)), the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and/or thecombined solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC_(FABRIC-GLASS)). The enlargedrecommended fabric combination section 790 may also include an add toproject button 797, an add to samples button 798, and a generate reportbutton 799. The user may actuate the add to project button 797 to addthe enlarged recommended fabric combination to a project. If a user isworking on more than one project, the user may be able to select aproject to which the enlarged recommended fabric combination will beadded. The user may actuate the add to samples button 798 to add theenlarged recommended fabric combination to a request for a sample. Theuser may actuate the generate report button 799 to initiate thegeneration of a report regarding the enlarged recommended fabriccombination, or to request a report regarding the enlarged recommendedfabric combination.

Referring again to FIG. 7A, a user may select one or more fabrics fromthe recommended fabrics list section 720. For example, the user mayselect recommended fabric combination 722, recommended fabriccombination 723, and recommended fabric combination 724. The user mayactuate the compare button 726. The fabric selection wizard module 310may display a comparison of the selected recommended fabric information731 for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724,as shown in FIGS. 7D-7G. The comparison of the selected recommendedfabric information 731 may compare the fabric information 730 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 7D), the manual control and automated control daylightscore 760 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7E), the manual control and automatedcontrol glare score or visual comfort 770 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7F),and/or the manual control and automated control view score 780 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 7G) for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,723, and 724.

As shown in FIG. 7D, the comparison of the selected recommended fabricinformation 731 may include a representation 732 a, 732 b, and 732 c(e.g., an image) of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,723 and 724, respectively, such that the user may compare the selectedrecommended fabric combinations 722, 723 and 724 to make decisions onwhich fabric to purchase based on the aesthetic appearance of thefabric. The comparison of the selected recommended fabric information731 may include an openness factor 736 a, 736 b, and 736 c for therespective selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724.The comparison of the selected recommended fabric information 731 mayinclude performance or summary scores 738 a, 738 b, and 738 c for therespective selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724.As indicated in FIG. 7A, the openness factor 736 may be provided for oneor more façade orientations. The performance or summary scores 738 a,738 b, and 738 c may include the daylight score of the respectiveselected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724, the glarescore of the respective selected recommended fabric combinations 722,723, and 724, and/or the view score of the respective selectedrecommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724.

The comparison of the selected recommended fabric information 731, mayinclude the categories 791 a, 791 b, 791 c and part numbers 792 a, 792b, 792 c for the respective selected recommended fabric combinations722, 723, 724. The comparison of the selected recommended fabricinformation 731 may provide the user the option to add one or more ofthe selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, or 724 to aproject or to a sample request by actuation of the respective requestbuttons 797 a, 797 b, or 797 c. The comparison of the selectedrecommended fabric information 731 may provide the user the option togenerate a report one or more of the selected recommended fabriccombinations 722, 723, or 724 upon actuation of the respective reportgenerating buttons 799 a, 799 b, or 799 c. The comparison of theselected recommended fabric information 731 may allow the user to viewthe fabric information for one or more of the selected recommendedfabric combinations 722, 723, or 724 by actuating a respective viewfabric info button 739 a, 739 b, or 739 c. If a user actuates the viewfabric info button 739 a, 739 b, or 739 c, the user may be taken to anenlarged recommended fabric combination section 790 for thecorresponding fabric, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E depicts another example for illustrating information in themanual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized shades comparisonsection 750. As shown in FIG. 7E, the comparison of the selectedrecommended fabric information 731 may display the useful daylight zoneand a percent daylight score for each of the selected recommended fabriccombinations 722, 723, 724. The daylight score section 760 may display arepresentation of a room depicting the useful daylight in the room 774a, 774 b, or 774 c associated with the selected recommended fabric 722,723, or 724 respectively for manual shades and automated shades. Forexample, in FIG. 7E, the manual shades 740 show useful daylight zone of6 feet for each of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,723, 724, with a useful daylight zone marker 762 a, 762 b, 762 cdepicting the position in the room to which the useful daylight willextend for each of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,723, 724, respectively. In FIG. 7E, the automated shades 750 show usefuldaylight zone of 17 feet for each of the selected recommended fabriccombinations 722, 723, 724, with a useful daylight zone marker 762 a,762 b, 762 c depicting the position in the room to which the usefuldaylight will extend for each of the selected recommended fabriccombinations 722, 723, 724, respectively.

FIG. 7F depicts another example for illustrating information in themanual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized shades comparisonsection 750. As shown in FIG. 7F, the comparison of the selectedrecommended fabric information 731 may include a representation of theglare score, daylight score, and/or view score for both the manualshades 740 and automated shades 750. For example, as shown in FIG. 7F,the daylight glare probability 775 a, 775 b, or 775 c for the selectedrecommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724, respectively, may bedepicted using a bar indicating the numbered percentage of the daylightglare probability for both the automated control shades 750 and manuallycontrolled shades 740. In FIG. 7F, the bar depicts a range from 30% to50%, though any range or percentage may be indicated. A value from 0-35%is considered low glare, a value from 35%-40% is considered mediumglare, a value from 40%-45% is considered high glare, and a value from45%-100% is considered critical glare. The bar may include a toleranceindicator 777 a, 777 b, 777 c that indicates a daylight glareprobability range. The bar may represent a glare tolerance range. Thetolerance range calculates the daylight glare probability for a fabricusing the worst case values for the daylight glare intensity and thebest case values for the daylight glare intensity. In the glare scoreand/or visual comfort section 770 of the comparison of the selectedrecommended fabric information 731, an information box button 776 a, 776b, or 776 c may be associated with a glare scores for the selectedrecommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724, respectively. If the useractuates the information box button 776 a, 776 b, or 776 c, aninformation box (not shown) explaining the consequences or potentialresults of the daylight glare probability, and/or glare score may bedisplayed. For example, the information box may be a warning that theglare score is using direct glare score. The warning may not be present,for example, if a building is blocking sunlight from the façade. In themanual control and automated control glare score or visual comfortsection 770, the comparison of the selected recommended fabricinformation 731, may also, or alternatively, include a visual comfortlevel representation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B) for each of theselected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724. In the manualcontrol and automated control glare score and/or visual comfort section770, the comparison of the selected recommended fabric information 731,may also, or alternatively, include an openness factor 736 a, 736 b, 736c for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724,respectively.

FIG. 7G depicts another example for illustrating information in themanual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized shades comparisonsection 750. As shown in FIG. 7G, the comparison of the selectedrecommended fabric information 731 may include a view score (not shown),a representation of the visual preservation 785 a, 785 b, and 785 c foreach of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724,respectively, the typical shade position 786 a, 786 b, or 786 c for eachof the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724respectively, view clarity through the fabric 787 a, 787 b, and 787 cfor each of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724respectively, and/or other information for both the manual shades 740and automated shades 750 for each of the selected recommended fabriccombinations 722, 723, 724. The typical shade position may be determinedby averaging the shade position measured during every daylight hour in acalendar year.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example network device 800.The network device 800 may be a server, a personal computer, a laptop, atablet, a smart phone, and/or other suitable network communicationdevice (e.g., an Internet-Protocol-enabled device), for example. Thenetwork device 800 may be used to store and/or execute one or moreportions of the fabric selection tool 300 shown in FIG. 3. For example,the network device 800 may perform the functions of the fabric selectionwizard module 310, perform the functions of the fabric performanceengine 316, store the basic input data 312, store computed fabricperformance input data 314, store the fabric performance output 320,store the fabric data 318, store recommendation scores, and/or storefabric recommendations. The network device 800 may comprise a controlcircuit 802, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., amicroprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit802 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, imageprocessing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality thatenables the network device 800 to perform as described herein.

The control circuit 802 may store information in and/or retrieveinformation from the memory 808. The memory 808 may include anon-removable memory and/or a removable memory for storingcomputer-readable media. The non-removable memory may includerandom-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/orany other type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory mayinclude a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, amemory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and/or any other typeof removable memory. The control circuit 802 may access the memory 808for executable instructions and/or other information that may be used bythe network device 800. The control circuit 802 may store the uniqueidentifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which thenetwork device 800 is associated in the memory 808. The control circuit802 may access instructions in the memory 808 for executing the fabricselector tool, or portions thereof. The control circuit 802 may storethe basic input data 312, the computed fabric performance input data314, the fabric performance output 320, the fabric data 318, therecommendation scores, the fabric recommendations, and/or otherinformation that may be used by the fabric selector tool in the memory808.

The network device 800 may comprise a network communication circuit 804,which may be adapted to performed wired and/or wireless communications(e.g., with the system controller device 110 or another device over anetwork) on behalf of the network device 800. The network communicationcircuit 804 may be a wireless communication circuit, for example,including an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna 812 for transmittingand/or receiving RF signals (e.g., the RF signals 106 shown in FIG. 1).The network communication circuit 804 may communicate using Wi-Fi, aproprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect® protocol), Bluetooth®, orany other RF communications. The control circuit 802 may be coupled tothe network communication circuit 804 for transmitting and/or receivingdigital messages via the RF signals 106, for example.

The network device may comprise an actuator 806. The control circuit 802may be responsive to the actuator 806 for receiving a user input. Forexample, the control circuit 802 may be operable to receive a buttonpress from a user on the network device 800 for making a selection orperforming other functionality on the network device 800.

The network device may comprise a display 810. The control circuit 802may be in communication with a display 810 for displaying information toa user. The communication between the display 810 and the controlcircuit 802 may be a two way communication, as the display 810 mayinclude a touch screen module capable of receiving information from auser and providing such information to the control circuit 802.

The network device 800 may comprise a power supply 814 for generating aDC supply voltage V_(CC) for powering the control circuit 802, thenetwork communication circuit 804, the memory 808, the display 810,and/or other circuitry of the network device 800. The power supply 814may be a battery or another source of power for the network device 800.

One or more of the components illustrated in the network device 800 maybe similarly included in another remote computing device, such as anetwork server for example. The functionality of the fabric selectiontool 300 may be included in the network device 800 and/or may bedistributed between the network device 800 and one or more remotecomputing devices. For example, the fabric performance engine 316 may beexecuted on a remote computing device, while the fabric selection wizardmodule 310 may be executed by the network device 800.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of an example wireless controldevice 900, which may be deployed as, for example, the system controller110 of the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The wireless controldevice 900 may comprise a control circuit 910, which may include one ormore of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, aprogrammable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA),an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitableprocessing device. The control circuit 910 may perform signal coding,data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or anyother functionality that enables the wireless control device 900 toperform as described herein. The wireless control device 900 maycomprise a network communication circuit 912 that may be coupled to anetwork connector 914 (e.g., an Ethernet jack), which may be adapted tobe connected to a wired digital communication link (e.g., an Ethernetcommunication link) for allowing the control circuit 910 to communicatewith network devices on a network. The network communication circuit 912may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the network, e.g., usingWi-Fi technology to transmit and/or receive RF signals (e.g., the RFsignals 106 shown in FIG. 1).

The wireless control device 900 may comprise a wireless communicationcircuit 916, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to anantenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals (e.g., the RFsignals 106 shown in FIG. 1). The wireless communication circuit 916 maycommunicate using a proprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect®protocol). The control circuit 910 may be coupled to the wirelesscommunication circuit 916 for transmitting digital messages via the RFsignals 106, for example, to control the load control devices in theload control system 100 in response to digital messages received via thenetwork communication circuit 912. The control circuit 910 may beconfigured to receive digital messages, for example, from the loadcontrol devices and/or the input devices.

The control circuit 910 may be responsive to an actuator 920 forreceiving a user input. For example, the control circuit 910 may beoperable to associate the wireless control device 900 with one or morecontrol devices of the load control system 100 in response to actuationsof the actuator 920 during a configuration procedure of the load controlsystem 100. The wireless control device 900 may comprise additionalactuators to which the control circuit 910 may be responsive.

The control circuit 910 may store information in and/or retrieveinformation from the memory 918. The memory 918 may include anon-removable memory and/or a removable memory for storingcomputer-readable media. The non-removable memory may includerandom-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/orany other type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory mayinclude a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, amemory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and/or any other typeof removable memory. The control circuit 910 may access the memory 918for executable instructions and/or other information that may be used bythe wireless control device 900. The control circuit 910 may store theunique identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices towhich the wireless control device 900 is associated in the memory 918.The control circuit 910 may access instructions in the memory 918 forexecuting the fabric selector tool, or portions thereof. The controlcircuit 910 may store the basic input data 312, the computed fabricperformance input data 314, the fabric performance output 320, thefabric data 318, the recommendation scores, the fabric recommendations,and/or other information that may be used by the fabric selector tool inthe memory 918.

The control circuit 910 may illuminate a visual indicator 922 to providefeedback to a user of the load control system 100. For example, thecontrol circuit 910 may blink or strobe the visual indicator 922 toindicate a fault condition. The control circuit 910 may be operable toilluminate the visual indicator 922 different colors to indicatordifferent conditions or states of the wireless control device 900. Thevisual indicator 922 may be illuminated by, for example, one or morelight-emitting diodes (LEDs). The wireless control device 900 maycomprise more than one visual indicator.

The wireless control device 900 may comprise a power supply 924 forgenerating a DC supply voltage V_(CC) for powering the control circuit910, the network communication circuit 912, the wireless communicationcircuit 916, the memory 918, and/or other circuitry of the wirelesscontrol device 900. The power supply 924 may be coupled to a powersupply connector 926 (e.g., a USB port) for receiving a supply voltage(e.g., a DC voltage) and/or for drawing current from an external powersource.

One or more of the components illustrated in the wireless control device900 may be similarly included in another computing device, such as thenetwork device 800 or a network server for example. The functionality ofthe fabric selection tool 300 may be included in the wireless controldevice 900 and/or may be distributed between the wireless control device900 and one or more remote computing devices. For example, the fabricperformance engine 316 may be executed on the wireless control device900, while the fabric selection wizard module 310 may be executed by thenetwork device 800.

Although features and elements have been described in relation toparticular embodiments, many other variations, modifications, and otheruses are apparent from the description provided herein. For example,while various types of hardware and/or software may be described forperforming various features, other hardware and/or software modules maybe implemented. The disclosure herein may not be limited by the examplesprovided.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of selecting fabrics for windowtreatments to be installed in a building, the method comprising:receiving input data associated with the building in which the windowtreatment is to be installed, wherein the input data includes dataassociated with a plurality of façades of the building; accessing fabricdata that indicates characteristics of a plurality of fabrics;determining, for each façade of the plurality of façades of thebuilding, at least one predicted performance metric for each fabric ofthe plurality of fabrics; determining, based on the at least onepredicted performance metric for each fabric of the plurality offabrics, fabric set scores for different sets of fabrics in theplurality of fabrics, wherein each fabric set score indicates aperformance of a set of fabrics when each fabric is used in a windowtreatment on a different façade of the building, wherein each fabric ineach set of fabrics has a first fabric characteristic that is adifferent value and a second fabric characteristic that is a same value;and communicating, to a user, the fabric set scores for the sets offabrics.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating the fabric setscores for the sets of fabrics comprises displaying the fabric setscores on a visual display.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereincommunicating the fabric set scores for the sets of fabrics comprisestransmitting the fabric set scores to a network device having a visualdisplay.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each fabric set scoreindicates an average score for the set of fabrics when each fabric ofthe set of fabrics are in the window treatment to be installed on thedifferent façade of the plurality of façades of the building.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the average score for the plurality offabrics is based on at least one of an average glare score, an averageview score, or an average daylight score for the set of fabrics.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first characteristic comprises at leastone of a family or a color group of the fabric, and wherein the secondcharacteristic comprises at least one of an openness factor or atransmittance of the fabric.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a familycomprises a plurality of fabrics with a same material, a same weave anda same manufacturer, and wherein a color group is a plurality of fabricswith varying shades of a same color or a plurality of fabrics with acombination of colors including at least one color that is the samecolor.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining aranking of the different sets of fabrics based on the fabric set scoreof each of the sets of fabrics; and communicating, to a user, theranking.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein communicating the rankingcomprises displaying the fabric set scores on a visual display.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein communicating the ranking comprisestransmitting the fabric set scores to a visual display.
 11. A networkdevice for selecting fabric comprising: a processor configured to:receive input data associated with the building in which the windowtreatment is to be installed, wherein the input data includes dataassociated with a plurality of façades of the building; access fabricdata that indicates characteristics of a plurality of fabrics;determine, for each façade of the plurality of façades of the building,at least one predicted performance metric for each fabric of theplurality of fabrics; determine, based on the at least one predictedperformance metric for each fabric of the plurality of fabrics, fabricset scores for different sets of fabrics in the plurality of fabrics,wherein each fabric set score indicates a performance of a set offabrics when each fabric is used in a window treatment on a differentfaçade of the building, wherein each fabric in each set of fabrics has afirst fabric characteristic that is a different value and a secondfabric characteristic that is a same value; and communicate, to a user,the fabric set scores for the sets of fabrics.
 12. The network device ofclaim 11, further comprising: a visual display; wherein the processor isconfigured to communicate the fabric set scores for the sets of fabricsby displaying the fabric set scores on the visual display.
 13. Thenetwork device of claim 12, wherein the processor is configured todetermine a ranking of the different sets of fabrics based on the fabricset score of each of the sets of fabrics, and to display the ranking onthe visual display.
 14. The network device of claim 11, wherein theprocessor is configured to communicate the fabric set scores for thesets of fabrics by transmitting the fabric set scores to a secondnetwork device.
 15. The network device of claim 14, wherein the secondnetwork device has a visual display for displaying the information. 16.The network device of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to:determine a ranking of the different sets of fabrics based on the fabricset score of each of the sets of fabrics; and communicate, to a user,the ranking.
 17. The network device of claim 16, wherein the processoris configured to communicate the ranking by transmitting the fabric setscores to a second network device.
 18. The network device of claim 11,wherein the first characteristic comprises at least one of a family or acolor group of the fabric, and wherein the second characteristiccomprises at least one of an openness factor or a transmittance of thefabric.
 19. The network device of claim 18, wherein the family comprisesa plurality of fabrics with a same material, a same weave and a samemanufacturer, and wherein a color group is a plurality of fabrics withvarying shades of a same color or a plurality of fabrics with acombination of colors including at least one color that is the samecolor.
 20. The network device of claim 11, wherein each fabric set scoreindicates an average score for the set of fabrics when each fabric ofthe set of fabrics are in the window treatment to be installed on thedifferent façade of the plurality of façades of the building; andwherein the average score for the plurality of fabrics is based on atleast one of an average glare score, an average view score, or anaverage daylight score for the set of fabrics.